Registered Dietitian — Diabetes Program — Full Time

Registered Dietitian – Diabetes Program – Bolton – 1.0 FTE

Family Health Teams (FHT’s) use a patient-centered approach to primary health care that brings together physicians and other health-care professionals to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for patients – when they need it, as close to home as possible. FHTs are a key component of Ontario’s health-care plan to reduce wait times, improve access to doctors and nurses, and keep Ontarians healthy.

The Registered Dietitian – Diabetes program is a vital part of the Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) and will collaborate with the physicians and other interdisciplinary providers to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. The Registered Dietitian – Diabetes Program, will help the FHT to meet its strategic objectives by coordinating the diabetic component of our chronic disease management program and educating patients and team members in best-practice methods.

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team currently has an opportunity at our Bolton office for a full-time (37.5 hours per week – 1.0 FTE) Registered Dietitian – Diabetes Program to join a compassionate, dynamic team. This position will be a hybrid model, including some remote work as well as in person presence at our Caledon office in Bolton.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work within the RD scope of practice as determined by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and if applicable the CDE designation.
• Screen, prioritize and process client referrals using information obtained through the physician, laboratory reports and health records.
• Provide assessment for adult patients living with Type 2 diabetes, considering the patient’s level of knowledge, readiness to change, and socio-demographic background.
• Complete nutrition and health assessments to develop nutrition/diabetes care plan with patient and health care team by integrating information about the patient’s health status, clinical practice guidelines, and available community resources.
• Provide counselling and/or education, including follow up assessment and support for behaviour change.  
• Educate the patient on disease management, self-management, and lifestyle improvement, including disease overview, exercise and activity, medication, insulin, blood sugar monitoring, flash/continuous glucose monitors, acute complications, hygiene, and follow-up.
• Be able to identify and prioritize complex health and social issues.
• Evaluation of the attainment of self-management goals and risk reduction behaviour.
• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely documentation of program activities and medical records.
• Communicate information clearly and concisely to clients and healthcare providers regularly.
• Present health education sessions on various topics related to diabetes in a group setting using established teaching/learning theory principles and lifestyle counselling.
• Identify and build relationships with various community partners.
• Present clinical practice guideline updates to healthcare providers and clinical partners.
• Provide learning opportunities to students, new hires, and colleagues.
• Recommend improvements to existing procedures/services.
• Facilitate teamwork and promote group effectiveness.
• Assist in developing patient programs, identifying priorities, target dates and implementation strategies.
• Manage, review, and make recommendations regarding protocols for educating FHT diabetes patients.
• Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Coordinate the diabetes program, including administration, teaching, clinical responsibilities, collaborating with Pharmaceutical Representatives, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement, using the input of other FHT providers.
• Manage the inventory of diabetes supplies.
• Practice within the scope and according to standards of practice as outlined by the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
• Be available for after-hours appointments one evening per week.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology, related laboratory values, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle management.
• Solid skills in nursing assessment, evidence-based practice, outreach, health promotion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Intermediate experience and strength in applying motivational interviewing counselling techniques in an adult population.
• Experience with blood glucose monitoring/flash glucose monitors, foot care, blood pressure and lipid management, medications, insulin initiation and titration, and working with medical directives.
• Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices of primary care delivery, including an excellent working knowledge of the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines.
• Expertise in developing strategies that successfully meet the needs of diverse patient, family, and provider populations.
• An understanding of and critical analysis of the determinants of health and social factors.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information and ideas.
• Ability to work effectively with all members of the health care team.
• Capability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment.
• Effective case management skills.
• Willingness to teach and train other members of the interdisciplinary team or students as required.
• Exhibit sound clinical judgment concerning treatment recommendations.
• Superior problem-solving skills and flexibility, with the ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment.
• Work in a manner that preserves privacy and confidentiality.
• Assist in developing individual patient programs, identifying priorities, target dates and implementation strategies.
• Manage, review, and make recommendations regarding protocols for the chronic disease education of FHT patients.
• Understanding and proficiency in developing and conducting educational programs for learners and experience in evaluating learning activities specific to individual performance.
• Facilitate group educational sessions using established adult teaching/learning theory principles and lifestyle counselling, using principles of adult learning.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in food and nutrition from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Dietitians of Canada accredited Dietetic Internship or equivalent approved experience or graduate degree in community nutrition.
• Registered member in good standing with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) or evidence of working towards attaining is an asset.
• 2 years of experience in supporting and educating adult (18+) patient with type 2 diabetes, being managed with lifestyle, oral medication, or insulin preferred.
• Insulin initiation and titration skills, use of medical directives and knowledge of flash/continuous glucose monitors an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in community or primary care settings.
• Skilled in case management and case coordination with members of the interdisciplinary team and services within the community preferred.
• Resourcefulness in working with communities and individuals who face barriers accessing traditional health care institutions such as poverty, discrimination, mental health, and substance use issues an asset.
• Basic CPR certification.
• Current Ontario Drivers’ License.
• Solid skills and experience using Microsoft applications (Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint).
• Experience and accuracy using electronic medical records (EMR) (i.e., Telus PS Suites) an asset.
• Willingness to learn new software and to continuously develop technology skills concerning diabetes care is an asset.
• Up to date COVID vaccination is required.

If this opportunity interests you, please submit a cover letter and your resume to a.cutt@dafht.ca by May 15th, 2023

Come join our team – as together we aim to provide quality health care in a great community!