Clinical Dietitian (Bariatrics)

The Clinical Dietitian - Bariatrics is responsible for providing bariatric medical and surgical clinical nutrition education and comprehensive bariatric nutrition care to patients and their support persons. The Clinical Dietitian provides consistent, evidence-based nutrition education and care across the patient journey.

Job Relationships

Reports to the Bariatric Program Director
Works collaboratively with Lead Dietitian, Nurse Navigators, Advanced Practice Providers, Surgeons, Behavioral Health, Office Staff, and Program Leadership

Principal Responsibilities

Clinical & Patient Care

• Identify and manage patients on either the Medical Weight Loss (MWL) pathway or the Surgical Weight Loss (SWL) pathway, providing pre- and post-operative nutrition assessment, counseling, and follow-up.

• Deliver individualized, evidence-based bariatric nutrition care in alignment with TOS, OMA, and ASMBS guidelines, insurance requirements, and program protocols.

• Conduct regular patient follow-ups (monthly or per clinical workflow) to assess progress toward nutrition, weight, and behavioral goals.

• Coach patients on bariatric program requirements, including dietary progression, vitamin/mineral supplementation, protein intake, hydration, and lifestyle changes.

• Document patient encounters, assessments, and care plans in the EMR in a timely and accurate manner.

• Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and pre-surgical clearance processes.

• Support accreditation and regulatory readiness by ensuring nutrition documentation, patient education, and outcomes tracking align with standards.

Metrics, Tracking & Reporting

• Enter patient nutrition data in tracking systems (e.g., BariTrax, Excel, or other program tools).

• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and current throughout the patient journey.

Patient Education

• Identify opportunities patient education improvements to enhance program efficiency and patient outcomes.

• Participate in the delivery of group nutrition classes, support groups, and staff education as needed.

Professional & Administrative Responsibilities

• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.

• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to Springfield Clinic's Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards.

• Perform other job duties as assigned.

• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.

Education/Experience

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential required

• Licensed Dietitian as required by state regulations

• Minimum of 1 year of bariatric or metabolic nutrition experience preferred, will consider new graduates

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited University providing curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must be a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

• CPR certification per American Heart Association guidelines required within 30 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of bariatric surgery nutrition care and long-term patient management

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary medical teams

• Ability to coach, motivate, and support patients through complex lifestyle changes

• Ability to analyze data, support quality improvement initiatives, and contribute to program metrics

• Strong customer service orientation and patient-centered approach

Working Environment

• Clinical office environment.

PHI/Privacy Level

• HIPAA1