Director, Clinical Nutrition

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team. Job Summary Position is responsible for providing leadership, direction and support for all inpatient and outpatient Clinical Nutrition Services and provides leadership for the system Clinical Nutrition Council. Ensures the delivery of quality care to patients. Serves as the liaison between clients/stakeholders and aligns the service line’s efforts with the hospital organization’s mission and vision by utilizing strategic planning to ensure goals and expectations are adhered to. Responsible for planning, implementing, reviewing and controlling the budget, staffing, and Continuous Quality Improvement process.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Dietetics/Nutrition; Master’s degree preferred or commensurate experience Licenses/Certifications: Current Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration Current Licensed Dietitian by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics BLS or Heart Saver certification Prefer additional specialized certification such as: Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) or certification in such areas as in renal, pediatric, sports dietetics, gerontological and/or oncology nutrition Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Seven (7) years of experience in hospital clinical nutrition Three (3) years of experience in a clinical nutrition management role Ability to solve problems, establish trust and credibility and deal effectively with change Working knowledge of principles of current clinical nutrition and patient care for all stages of the life cycle Completion of management/leadership training programs as designated by the institution within first year of employment Ongoing management/leadership training programs as designated by organization’s leadership Demonstrates commitment to the Partners-in-Caring process by integrating our culture in all internal and external customer interactions; delivers on our brand promise of “we advance health” through innovation, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, compassion and results while ensuring one Memorial Hermann. Principal Accountabilities Monitors and directs all medical nutrition therapy provided to patients. Responsible for directing clinical and non-clinical personnel. Reviews and approves all new hires, establishes and controls standards for performance appraisals. Identifies staffing needs of the department and provides for accordingly. Adheres to human resources policies. Coordinates in-service/training needs of staff. Remains available, accessible and visible to staff. Recognizes staff’s achievements and accomplishments and provides ongoing feedback on performance. Provides an environment which fosters employee retention, engagement, and progressive professional development. Conducts quality assurance clinical audits, competency assessments and performance evaluations in order to ensure the Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians are followed by all staff. Establishes scope of service, goals and develops strategic plan for the department. Stays up-to-date on new developments in the field and incorporates such in the department’s scope of service. Reviews departmental policies, procedures, and systems. Complies with all applicable regulatory requirements and standards. Conducts appropriate department promotional activities and participates in hospital marketing activities. Assures that revenue, expenses, contribution margin and FTE’s meet or exceed budget. Prepares and submits budget and related reports. Forecasts and accurately projects expenses. Takes corrective action to address negative variances. Identifies and proposes capital budget items appropriately. Promotes physician input and communication; includes medical staff in planning new or revised policies, procedures and services. Provides rapid response and follow-up to medical staff issues/concerns; greets new physicians and orients them to the department services; seeks new ways to encourage new physicians to utilize our hospital services. Collaborates with affiliated medical school to provide clinical nutrition education to medical students, residents and fellows. Ensures safe care to patients, adhering to policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, within budgetary specifications, including time management, supply management, productivity, and accuracy of practice. Utilizes clinical informatics to develop solutions for highly complex issues that foster improved clinical outcomes. Responsible for ongoing training, development, and mentoring of department manager(s). Oversees and direct the efforts of the MHHS Clinical Nutrition Council. Participates in and presents to system councils. Participates on hospital and system committees as assigned. Ensures safe care to patients, staffs and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency. Supports department-based goals, which contribute to the success of the organization. Serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff at base hospital and through the system Clinical Nutrition Council. Other duties as assigned.