Dietitian

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dietitian at the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma is responsible for leading the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Title VI food service and nutritional programs, while also spearheading disease prevention and health promotion outreach efforts aimed at helping clients adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent or manage diseases. Collaborating closely with Community Health and Title VI programs, the Dietitian develops tailored nutrition, health, and wellness programs for tribal elders and the community, promoting overall wellness and disease prevention through holistic approaches.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and oversee menu and meal plans to ensure compliance with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) published by the Secretary of the Office of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (SDA).
• Collaborate with the Title VI elder dining program and meal delivery program to contribute to the development of program offerings from a dietary and nutrition needs perspective and provide education and counseling to eligible tribal elders and their caregivers/family members as identified.
• Identify and assist in conducting necessary elder nutrition screenings and food insecurity assessments to better understand individuals’ nutritional needs and provide required individual consultation and resources.
• Provide one-on-one medical nutrition therapy, including assessment, counseling, and support to eligible individuals and their caregivers seeking nutrition support/needs, and overall health and wellness goals.
• Participate in menu planning and development, conduct food cost assessments/budgets, review recipes, conduct necessary audits, and manage nutrition-related aspects including identification, labeling, inventory, waste reduction, accuracy, presentation, and consistency.
• Collaborate with the Community Health Director and Title VI Director to conduct necessary audits and oversight related to food inventory, waste, and meal/food-associated costs.
• Partner with Community Health and Title VI directors and staff to ensure compliance with food safety procedures and grant requirements.
• Review and evaluate food purchases and overall program food costs to ensure quality assurance and identify opportunities for cost-saving measures.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proficient in evaluating individuals' nutritional needs and designing appropriate dietary plans based on comprehensive assessments.
• Skilled in developing balanced and nutritious meal plans that adhere to dietary guidelines and cater to specific dietary requirements.
• Ability to effectively educate and counsel clients on nutrition-related topics, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
• Capable of providing one-on-one medical nutrition therapy to individuals with diverse health conditions, addressing their nutritional needs and supporting overall wellness goals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, and program partners to coordinate holistic approaches to nutrition and wellness initiatives.
• In-depth understanding of the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of nutritional science, including macro and micronutrients, metabolism, and dietary requirements across the lifespan.
• Familiarity with strategies for promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition, including the role of diet in managing chronic conditions.
• Understanding of cultural factors influencing dietary practices and preferences, enabling the provision of culturally sensitive nutrition services.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, best practices in food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to ensure compliance and minimize health risks.
• Ability to conduct thorough nutritional assessments, interpret data, and formulate appropriate dietary recommendations tailored to individual needs.
• Capacity to identify nutritional challenges and develop creative solutions to address them, considering factors such as budget constraints and dietary preferences.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey nutritional information, provide counseling, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Skill in building rapport with clients, demonstrating empathy, and empowering them to take ownership of their health through informed dietary choices and behavior change.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, or related field. Registered Dietitian (RD) credential or eligibility for RD exam.
• Minimum 1-2 years of clinical or community nutrition experience, including internships or supervised practice with a strong understanding of nutrition assessment, counseling, and meal planning.
• Will actively pursue Diabetes Health Educator Certification during the first 12 months of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for extended periods when conducting nutrition education sessions or cooking demonstrations.
• Capacity to lift and carry moderate loads, such as food supplies or equipment, when setting up for events or educational sessions.
• Mobility to move around various settings, including office spaces, community centers, or healthcare facilities, to engage with clients and stakeholders.
• Manual dexterity and coordination for tasks such as food preparation or conducting nutritional assessments.
• Visual acuity and auditory skills to effectively communicate with clients and interpret nutrition-related information.
• Stamina to maintain energy levels throughout the workday, which may involve a combination of desk-based work, client interactions, and physical activities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful completion of applicable tribal drug test.
• Successful completion of applicable tribal background check.
• Must pass background investigation for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations.
• Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and Varicella vaccinations, with proof of previous vaccinations or proof of positive titer.