Dietitian - Primary Health Care

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of the Sherwood Park – Strathcona County PCN Dietitian is to work collaboratively with the patients and primary health care team to provide comprehensive clinical services as required for the patients of the PCN. The Dietitian will provide comprehensive nutrition services to selected patients within the Network and be a nutrition resource to the PCN. The Dietitian will assess, develop, implement and evaluate nutrition care plans for patients and work with patients to achieve better health outcomes. They will work as a valuable member of a multidisciplinary team. The Dietitian will work to full scope of practice with an emphasis on providing comprehensive nutritional care, education and guidance to patients with chronic disease. The Dietitian will work with Family Physicians in the community, other health professionals and local and regional programming in a multi-disciplinary environment to ensure a high quality of evidence-based health care to the practice population.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Include, but are not limited to the following: General To work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to enhance the delivery of primary care services To be a nutrition resource to members of the multidisciplinary team To assist in the implementation of strategies for improving the quality of care and the delivery of services to the practice population Any other duties that may be reasonably required for the success of the PCN Clinical To conduct nutrition assessments, initiate and implement nutrition care plans and provide appropriate follow-up, according to evidence-based practice To work with patients by providing nutrition consultation services based on highly developed knowledge and skills Support and educate patients and their caregivers to maintain adequate and appropriate nutrition to achieve long term health benefits. To make professionally autonomous decisions in managing patients and while collaborating with other members of the multidisciplinary team Ensure the maintenance of accurate records in keeping with practice policy

Professional Development
Be responsible for own professional development through a variety of strategies highlighted in personal development plan.
Participate in the PCNs education program.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Baccalaureate degree with a major in Foods and Nutrition with accredited Nutrition Internship Current Registration with College of Dietitians of Alberta Current BCLS Significant (5 years) clinical dietitian consultation experience Experience working with patients with chronic disease management preferred Experience working in primary care

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Communicate and teach nutrition to a wide variety of ethnic and education backgrounds utilizing language interpretation services, if required. Strong, effective written and oral communication skills, high level of perceptiveness Ability to build a good working relationship with healthcare professionals, patients and families Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment Respect and understanding of confidentiality Person-centered practice Thrives in a complex changing environment High levels of integrity and professional behaviour Strong computer skills in word processing and email Ability to use electronic medical records

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

Enthusiastic and positive, can-do attitude Able and willing, to be flexible, creative and juggle numerous competing priorities Ability to act ethically, responsibly and be accountable for actions Ability to respect other views/opinions Ability to have difficult conversations and be comfortable asking questions Exceptional understanding of and appreciation for confidentiality and privacy Ability to identify sensitive information

OTHER OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A current and clear criminal records check is required A valid drivers licence and access to a vehicle for travel, if required Will require flexibility in hours and days of work with evening hours The position will be located at the SPPCN offices in Sherwood Park and/or Fort Saskatchewan and may be co-located in a member physician’s offices in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskatchewan as required.