Registered Dietitian – Nutrition Programs- Dufferin Area Family Health Team (Orangeville)

Job Description

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 Dietitians (RDs) with the Nutrition program are 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 RD will help the FHT meet its strategic objectives by participating in the chronic disease management, health promotion and disease prevention programs, educating patients and team members in best-practice methods.

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team currently has an opportunity for a full-time permanent Registered Dietitian to join our compassionate, dynamic team in the nutrition program. This position is a hybrid work model and includes some remote work as well as an in-person presence at our Dufferin – Caledon sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work within the RD scope of practice as determined by the College of Dietitians of Ontario 
• Screen, prioritize and process client referrals using information obtained through the physician, laboratory reports, and health records
• Provide assessment for all ages of nutrition patients, considering the patient’s level of knowledge, readiness to change, and socio-demographic background
• Complete nutrition and health assessments to develop a nutrition 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 
• 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 nutrition 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 patients. 
• Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team 
• Practice within the scope and according to standards of practice as outlined by the College of Dietitians of Ontario, and
• Be available for after-hours appointments one evening per week. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Solid skills in nutrition 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
• Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices of primary care delivery 
• 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, and 
• 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 
• 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
• Lactation knowledge, support and experience with certifications (BFI/WHO/CAPPA or equivalent training) an asset 
• Eating Disorder interest and experience an asset 
• 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 nutrition and diabetes care is an asset 
• Up to date COVID vaccination is required. 

Why join the DAFHT:

• HOOPP Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Extended health care benefits including health, dental, vision, critical Illness insurance, EFAP and EAP program
• Annual allowance for continuing education and professional membership fees
• 4 weeks of vacation to start, paid wellness days, paid personal and sick time, paid continuing education time
• Organizational commitment to work-life balance, including flexible work hours and hybrid work environment
• Excellent team/organizational environment with numerous staff events throughout the year.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience and in keeping with the salary set by the Ministry of Health for Registered Dietitians.
   

Family Health Teams (FHTs) use a patient-centred approach to primary health care that brings together physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate 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 healthcare plan to reduce wait times, improve access to doctors and nurses, and keep Ontarians healthy.