Harvard University — Chief Clinical Dietitian
Filed in Faculty on May 22, 2023
Harvard University
16-May-2023
Chief Clinical Dietitian
University Health Services
62542BR
Position Description
Under the supervision of the Senior Director for Nursing and Health Promotion, the Chief Dietitian plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates the provision of clinically appropriate medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, and nutrition related health promotion initiatives to the Harvard community. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), the Chief Clinical Dietitian (CCD) provides direct patient care to students, HUGHP members, and retirees who seek services at HUHS, and serves as a vital part of the clinical care team especially for eating disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes. The RDN is an advanced level practitioner who provides practical food-focused recommendations for general nutrition and well-being and demonstrates competence in a non-diet and health-at-every-size approach to nutrition counseling.
The CCD supervises and mentors the professional development of other RDNs in the department, including those involved in sports nutrition. Utilizing lean methodologies, the Chief Dietitian is responsible for the ongoing performance and development of the service, managing to the budget, maintaining volume, and integrating the voice of the customer, particularly the student population, into the service.
As a collaborative member of the health promotion team, this position is also responsible for the coordination of outreach activities related to nutrition, developing appropriate educational programming and special events to promote the vision of a happy, healthy engaged Harvard community. In this role, the Manager serves as a collaborative partner with the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion, Harvard University Department of Athletics and Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) to promote healthy food choices throughout the population.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides direct patient care for nutrition:
- Assesses individual’s nutritional status and needs using history taking, medical record review, and input from other clinicians.
- Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to assess individual motivations, goals, learning styles, barriers, and supports related to nutrition.
- Establishes a therapeutic relationship with individuals and assists them in goal-setting, review, and revision of mutually-identified nutrition, and related, goals.
- Serves as the nutritional expert on the patient’s multidisciplinary team to develop and implement medical nutrition therapy for acute and chronic conditions.
- Documents all interactions and plan of care appropriately in the electronic medical record.
Manages and directs nutrition outreach in the community:
- Develops nutrition education programs based on the community feedback, survey data, market research, literature reviews, clinician input, etc.
- Designs assessment and evaluation tools to monitor outcomes of nutrition outreach.
- Works with other Harvard University departments and professionals including the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion and the Department of Athletics to identify program needs and implement initiatives.
- Establishes an effective partnership with Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) to serve as a resource or subject matter expert for challenging situations and help to educate undergraduates on scope of services provided by HUDS.
- Actively participates in the Department of Health Promotion to promote health and well-being throughout the Harvard community.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Additional Basic Qualifications:
- 5 years of outpatient clinical experience, including at least 3 years of work with eating disorders
Preferred:
- Experience in an academic setting, preferably a university setting
- 2 years’ experience supervising other RDNs
- Training in motivational interviewing
- Experience with diverse populations
- Experience with health promotion activities
- Supervisory experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills
- Ability to convey nutritional concepts to individuals of varying ages and cultural backgrounds
- Communication skills (both written and verbal)
Physical Requirements
- Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
- Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion
Certificates and Licenses
- Registered Dietician/Nutritionist with the Commission on dietic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Current Massachusetts Dietitian/Nutritionist license
Working Conditions
All Harvard University Health Services staff and staff affiliates are considered Health Care Workers and as a condition of employment must provide documentation of the following:
- Letter of good health from your personal health care provider.
- TB skin test (within past 3 months) or, if known skin test positive, documentation of previous chest x-ray, information about any past treatment.
- Documentation of immunity (positive antibody titers) for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
- Proof of appropriate past immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
- Hepatitis B vaccine series – required for staff with possible exposure to blood or blood borne pathogens.
- A current Flu vaccine (this season) and Covid vaccines to include the Primary series and Bivalent Booster.
The required medical documentation/medical clearances can often be obtained by contacting your Pediatrician, PCP, medical provider. Titers, TB Skin testing can be performed by appointment at Occupational Health facilities.
Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Additional Information
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
Leads the Department of Nutrition:
- Develops, implements, and monitors quality standards for the service based on evidence based, professionally accepted standards. Assures department is following standards of care.
- Serves as a resource for current and accurate nutrition information to all HUHS clinicians.
- Utilizing lean methodologies, develops short and long terms goals and objectives for the service consistent with HUHS strategic goals. Monitors progress on these goals, problem solves effectively to meet targets.
- Provides ongoing supervision to other RDNs and provides regular feedback. Conducts timely evaluations.
- Mentors and develops the team.
- Demonstrates effective teamwork to accomplish organizational goals and service goals; takes action that respects the needs and contributions of others; fosters a positive attitude among staff.
- Initiates and develops relationships with others as a priority; treats others with respect; actively listens; is approachable.
- Maintains adequate staffing.
- Participates in the orientation of HUHS clinicians as appropriate.
- Willingly anticipates and effectively manages change.
- Develops effective relationships with others in the University and within HUHS.
- Understands regulations, expectations, and professional responsibilities related to regulations affecting the department and staff. Demonstrates support for compliance in words and actions. Serves as a compliance resource to staff. Proactively monitors staff compliance. Supports staff in utilizing appropriate reporting systems.
- Demonstrates initiative.
- Appreciates and leverages the capabilities and insights, and ideas of all individuals; works effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability, and motivation.
- Prepares yearly budget in accordance with established guidelines. Monitors budget for variance. Continually reviews department budgets in relation to departmental and HUHS performance and needs. Identifies cost-effective measures and interventions.
Benefits
This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus!
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University Health Services is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace in which all employees feel valued and have a sense of belonging. These principles are integral to our work and are at the core of who we are. We actively seek applicants with demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a working and learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, respect, and embrace individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, abilities, beliefs, and values.
Job Function
Health Care
Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Department
Nutrition
Time Status
Full-time
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity
Schedule
Monday – Friday: 8 hours (per day)
Total: 40 hours (per week)
Department Office Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Work Format
On-Site
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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