Dietitian / Nutritional Consultant

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.