Quality Monitor Dietitian

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

The Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Quality Monitoring Program (QMP), Quality Monitoring Unit (QMU) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Dietetic & Nutrition Specialist III. (Dietitian Quality Monitor).

The Dietitian Quality Monitor reports to the QMU Manager. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by conducting monitoring visits in Texas nursing facilities as identified by the Early Warning System (EWS). The dietitian quality monitor utilizes expertise in the area of nutrition to assess conditions that could place facility resident’s health, safety, and welfare at risk and assists providers in improving systems. This position uses independent and clinical judgment in the discovery process including collecting and evaluating medical, nutritional, and statistical data, as well as policy/procedures and performance reports to determine if the facility's systems are consistent with evidence-based practice. This position must be able to apply the complex knowledge of nutritional practices as well as the rules outlined by the Scope of Standards from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards, personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions. 
• Conducts various types of visits including quality monitoring visits, rapid response team visits, and in-service visits as assigned. Monitors and evaluates facility systems through observations, interviews and record reviews identifying facility strengths and opportunities for improvement.  
• Reviews policy/procedures and performance reports to determine if the facility's systems are consistent with evidence-based practice. Provides in-service education and other training to facility professional staff regarding evidence-based best practices.  Assists with the development and updating of program policy/procedures, evidence-based best practice standards, and educational programs.
• Documents accurate and complete reports of monitoring visits. Communicates accurate information, findings, recommendations, and technical assistance to the facility administrator and staff. Disseminates appropriate education tools and materials.
• Communicates on a complex level with others (internally or externally) to provide clinical information, answer inquiries, address issues, and/or resolve problems. Maintains current knowledge in assigned areas by attending meetings, seminars, or other training and by continually reviewing program policies, procedures, and any changes.  Conduct literature reviews and analyze complex information to update nursing-related evidence-based best practices technical assistance material.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with colleagues and team members. May train and supervise the work of others in the context of a quality monitoring team visit, and orientation to peers and others as needed.
• Must be able to travel 80%
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care.
• Knowledge of long-term care facility operation, regulation, and procedures.
• Knowledge of modern office management practices and procedures and technology   tools such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint and Teams productivity tools.
• Knowledge of Medicaid, waiver programs, long-term care, local, state, and federal legislative processes, and/or long-term care programs and policies.
• Skill in researching, creating, analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating complex clinical/nutritional issues.
• Skill in communication and public speaking.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Skill in identifying trends, concerns, and recommending opportunities for improvement and areas of excellence.
• Skill in paying attention to detail and the ability to implement creative solutions to problems.
• Skill in working with diverse groups and interests, resolving conflicts, building consensus and problem solving.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret long-term care facility regulations.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with moderate direction.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and make sound decisions.
• Ability to operate and drive a vehicle.
• Ability to perform other essential job functions such as sitting, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending and lifting up to 25 lbs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Must be a Registered Dietitian. This position requires a current Texas Dietitian License (in good standing). The applicant must enter their current CDR number on the application.
• This position may require use of a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. This position requires a reliable motor vehicle, a current, valid Texas driver's license and valid insurance. Applicants must provide proof of insurance and license. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in dietetics, food and nutrition, food systems management, food science, or a related field accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND).
• Current Registered Dietitian and Texas Dietitian license (in good standing)
• Minimum two years clinical nutrition experience working with adult/geriatrics populations
• Willing to travel 80% of the time. 

Additional Information:

Successfully complete an in-basket exercise

This is a mobile worker position requiring 80% region-wide and statewide travel including hours other than 8-5 and days other than Monday-Friday.

All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.