Mercy and Retirement Care Center - Registered Dietician

Mercy Retirement & Care Center

An Elder Care Alliance Community

Actual pay decision based on factors including experience, skills and training

$83,460 to $100,152 a Year DOE

Do you thrive in an environment where meaningful work happens every day? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of older adults?

Mercy Retirement & Care Center has been at the forefront of senior care for more than 150 years. Situated on our lush campus in Oakland, we provide assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to meet a variety of healthcare needs. We provide exceptional, person-centered care that enhances the quality of life for our residents.

Our Culture of Excellence is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of both our residents and our team members. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where innovation and compassion drive everything we do.

About This Career Opportunity

The Registered Dietician is responsible for overseeing the nutritional care of residents. The Dietician conducts nutritional assessments, MDS, and develops care plans for residents, utilizing information gathered from medical records, residents, and/or their families.

The Registered Dietician works alongside the Regional Culinary Service Director and Culinary Directors in the menu planning process and assesses the nutritional quality of the meals provided. They collaborate with the Regional Culinary Service Director to create innovative programming that aligns with sustainable financial objectives. The Dietician is also accountable for the Employee Nutritional Wellness program across ECA communities and partners with the Head of Human Resources to design and implement innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall health of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of standards and procedures related to culinary and clinical nutrition practices across all care environments within Elder Care Alliance communities.
• Designs and conducts in-service training for staff, supervises the application of these practices, and assesses the outcomes.
• Charts and documents the nutritional requirements of Care Center residents during new admission evaluations, MDS protocols, and both quarterly and annual assessments.
• Regularly reviews and documents the nutritional programs for residents identified as being at greatest risk, such as those receiving enteral feedings or experiencing significant unplanned weight loss.
• Visits individual Care Center residents during mealtimes to observe their food intake, preferences, and overall nutritional status, taking appropriate actions and making recommendations, as necessary.
• To address the nutritional needs and enhance the nutritional status of residents, provide guidance and recommendations to culinary staff, nursing personnel, and attending physicians across the organization, ensuring that training and documentation comply with ECA standards.
• Collaborates with Culinary Service Directors to guarantee that therapeutic and mechanically altered diets fulfill nutritional and safety standards while also satisfying taste and presentation standards.
• Meets with resident food committees to gather feedback and insights regarding the quality, variety, and types of meals offered within the community.
• Acts as a strategic collaborator, partnering with Culinary Service Directors, Executive Directors, and the Regional Culinary Service Director.
• Assists the Regional Culinary Services Director in conducting quarterly sanitation audits.
• Develops and writes policies and procedures, implements training initiatives in response to evolving conditions related to clinical nutrition and culinary services.
• In partnership with the Regional Culinary Services Director and Executive Directors, identifies and addresses operational challenges, ensuring a commitment to quality, ongoing performance enhancement, and a positive influence on dining metrics throughout the organization.
• Contributes to the creation of innovative, evidence-based programs that serve as a unique differentiator.
• Designs and oversees the implementation of the Employee Nutritional Education Program.
• Collaborates with the Head of Human Resources to devise innovative and effective initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall health of the organization and positioning Elder Care Alliance as a preferred employer.
• Coordinates with the Culinary Services Directors across all ECA communities to ensure the timely delivery of selected produce or meal kits for each pay period.
• Partners with Executive Directors to organize cooking demonstrations and nutritional education sessions during All Staff Meetings.
• Conducts research and develops evidence-based educational materials to support wellness events and activities, drawing on the latest research findings.
• Collaborates with current or prospective benefits vendors to enhance employee wellness offerings.
• Keeps abreast of trends in the food and nutrition industry to foster the development of innovative programs, attending conferences and seminars, as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - Position Requirements

• Cleared Criminal Record clearance through the Department of Social Services prior to presence in the community.
• Health screening and TB test results not older than 6 months.
• Current First Aid Training and Certifications as per Title 22.
• High School Diploma required; with some college coursework preferred.
• Active registration with the American Dietetic Association as a Registered Dietitian (R.D.)
• Completion or enrollment in a Master's program in Dietetics or a related field in nutrition.
• A minimum of three years of experience as a staff or consulting dietitian in a long-term care setting.
• ServSafe certification must be obtained within one year of employment and is required to be maintained throughout the entire period of employment.
• Keep abreast of current state and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Office 365, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email software, is expected.

Skills and Attributes

• The candidate should be driven by the mission and objectives of the organization.
• A deep understanding and passion for older adults, particularly those experiencing cognitive challenges, is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities and collaborative work ethic are essential.
• Committed to delivering high-quality and professional interactions with residents, families, peers, volunteers, and team members in a multi-cultural environment.
• Exhibit creative problem-solving (innovation), good decision-making, and proactive initiative with tasks.
• The ability to identify needs, develop, and manage multiple programs and systems concurrently.
• Skilled in exhibiting adaptability, making informed decisions in high-pressure situations, and effectively prioritizing tasks and projects with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• To ensure the health and safety of both our team members and residents, Elder Care Alliance may mandate that team members receive vaccinations, engage in daily screenings, undergo surveillance testing, and utilize face coverings along with other personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with regulatory guidelines to mitigate the transmission of infectious diseases.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer competitive *pay and phenomenal benefits. Subject to eligibility requirements benefits include:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision plans
• Flexible spending
• Tuition Reimbursement to promote your career advancement.
• ++much more

"Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status"