Nutrition Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The Nutrition Assistant (NA) is responsible for helping patients improve their diets. The Nutrition Assistant provides medical nutrition assistance to patients using the on-site food pantries. The NA will assist the Nutritionist and Dieticians in meal planning and dietary information for patients and oversee the use of the food pantries in Columbia and Mt. Vernon.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Checking, Examining, and Recording

• Assist in tracking, reporting, grant fulfillment.
• Track patient access, food selections, and other required information in EMR.

Communication

• Work with supervisor to restock pantries.
• Work with Marketing team to enhance and promote the food pantries.
• Provide patients with other food resources.
• Instruct patients and their families on the benefits of healthy eating habits and answer any questions they may have about it.

Teamwork

• Assist with pickup and stocking of food supplies in pantries, as needed.

• Work with site nutritionist/dietician to provide educational dietary information for patients.
• Responds to volunteer inquiries and coordinates volunteer efforts.

Analytical and Critical Thinking

• Assist patients with dietary restrictions in choosing appropriate food items.
• Engage in food safety.
• Staff the Columbia and Mt. Vernon pantries.

Patient Focus

• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity in all aspects of patient care.
• Effectively engages patients in their care.
• Assist in scheduling appointments and relaying messages.

Workplace Computers and Equipment

• Utilizes EMR resources to manage patient care, including flags and referrals.
• Uses EMR to track patient use of pantries for reporting.
• Uses email (Outlook), Teams and other approved communication channels to maintain regular communication with Chase Brexton team and external partners when needed.
• Uses "out of office" functions in EMR, Outlook, and phone system to make staff aware of absences.

Compliance, Policy, and Procedure

• Keeps current with respect to organizational policies and procedures and puts them into practice.

Willingness to Learn

• Takes active steps to keep current in new developments within the field of nutrition.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• In-depth knowledge of nutritional models
• Effective communication, research, presentation, and creative skills
• Basic navigation knowledge of electronic medical record applications such as CPS 12 and ability to learn new computer skills.
• Maintain sensitivity to religious, ethnic, and cultural differences in others and show respect and empathy.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Required: Associate's degree in nutrition (or in progress) or a related field
• Previous experience in a similar role is a plus.
• Ability to provide high-quality dietary advice to patients.
• Willingness to customize dietary advice to meet the unique needs of patients.
• Understanding of diabetic nutrition, a plus.
• Spanish speaking a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed mostly in an office environment with some out of office commitments required.
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs.
• Must have a driver's license.