Dietitian / Nutritional Consultant

Dietitian / Nutritional Consultant
Woodbury, New Jersey
Contract Duration: March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2028
Schedule: 10 hours per week / 40 hours per month
Work Arrangement: Onsite only

The Dietitian will be responsible for evaluating residents' nutritional needs, recommending medically appropriate nutrition plans, reviewing facility menus, supporting resident care planning, and providing nutrition education to residents and staff.

The selected professional must be licensed to practice in New Jersey, possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI), and be able to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance directly for services rendered to patients.

Key Responsibilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning

• Review residents' medical information and assess their nutritional needs.
• Recommend, initiate, implement, and update individualized nutrition care plans.
• Complete nutrition care plans for new admissions and readmissions by Day 5 from admission.
• Conduct required significant-change, quarterly, and annual nutritional assessments.
• Monitor residents' nutritional intake and recommend adjustments based on their clinical needs.
• Provide nutrition-related recommendations to support appropriate resident care.

Menu Planning and Food Service Coordination

• Review and approve the facility's monthly menu.
• Recommend menu modifications when necessary to address residents' nutritional requirements.
• Ensure meals are nutritionally adequate and medically appropriate.
• Meet weekly with the Food Service Director to review menus and discuss concerns.
• Collaborate with the Food Service Director and Nurse Manager on nutrition-related matters.
• Perform one weekend meal observation during the contract period.

Education and Staff Training

• Educate residents on medically related nutrition therapies as needed.
• Provide quarterly nutrition education and training to facility staff.
• Submit an in-service training calendar to the Director of Nursing (DON) at the beginning of the contract year.
• Support staff understanding of residents' nutritional needs and intake requirements.

Documentation and Reporting

• Use the Sigma Care System for therapeutic diet orders and resident documentation.
• Maintain accurate and timely nutrition-related records.
• Submit consulting Dietitian reports to:
  • Food Service Director
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nurse Manager
  • MDS Coordinator
• Communicate resident nutrition concerns and recommendations to designated facility personnel.

Survey and Compliance Support

• Be available during facility surveys to answer questions and provide requested information.
• Designate time for a face-to-face meeting with the survey team during survey week, before the survey exit.
• Support facility personnel with nutrition-related information and documentation during survey activities.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a qualified Dietitian/Dietician.
• Must hold a current, valid New Jersey professional license or required credential to practice as a Dietitian.
• Must possess a valid National Provider Identifier (NPI).
• Must be able to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance directly for services rendered to patients.
• Must be available to provide onsite services at Shady Lane Nursing Home.
• Must be able to commit to approximately 10 hours per week (40 hours per month).
• Must be available to complete weekly coordination meetings, quarterly staff education, and required assessments.
• Must be able to use the Sigma Care System for therapeutic diet orders and documentation.
• Must provide a resume/CV documenting qualifications, education, experience, and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing nutrition consulting services in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or long-term care environment.
• Experience with resident nutrition assessments and individualized care plans.
• Experience with therapeutic diets and medically appropriate menu planning.
• Familiarity with quarterly, annual, and significant-change assessments.
• Experience collaborating with Food Service Directors, Nurse Managers, DONs, and MDS Coordinators.
• Experience supporting facility surveys and regulatory documentation.
• Experience with Sigma Care or similar clinical documentation systems.