Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist III

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.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Dietetic and Nutrition Specialist III (Senior Clinical Dietitian III) performs advanced (senior-level) nutrition services work. The Senior Clinical Dietitian III serves as the Director of the Nutrition Services. Responsibilities include administrative functions including collaborating with other members of the Leadership Team on nutrition department related projects and issues; preparing reports (e.g., the results of patient meal satisfaction surveys and performance improvement plans to be presented to the Leadership Team, Quality Management, and the Performance Improvement Committee); providing quality assurance monitoring of menu and nutrition service activities; planning, coordinating, and evaluating nutrition programs and services for the hospital; developing policies and procedures; investigating complaints and/or deficiencies and maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies and departmental standards related to the nutrition department. Responsibilities also include participating in various hospital committees and or workgroups (e.g., infection control, the leadership team, and food services). Supervises clinical nutrition staff. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Oversees’ operations of the nutrition department and performs administrative functions. Develops, monitors, and revises departmental policies and procedures in accordance with approved Nutrition Care Manual and Clinical Diet Manual. Evaluates quality assurance monitoring of department activities and participates in Quality Management activities of other campus departments. Plans, directs and monitors nutrition programs and activities to assure compliance with relevant regulations and professional standards of care. Prepares reports including but not limited to the results of patient meal satisfaction surveys and performance improvement plans to be presented to the Leadership Team, Quality Management, and the Performance Improvement Committee

Consults and acts as a liaison with Food Services Team to provide accurate and timely information on menu changes and special diets/menus as required. Approves menu changes for compliance with relevant nutritional standards. Develops additional variations to standard cycle menus to meet needs of campus population as required. Conducts quality assurance meal observations and provides timely feedback to Food Services Team as necessary. Investigates complaints and/or deficiencies and maintains compliance with regulatory agencies and departmental standards related to the nutrition department.

Acts as a member of the hospital’s Leadership Team. Communicates relevant information to colleagues and collaborates with other members of the leadership team on nutrition department related projects and issues. Participates in various hospital committees and or workgroups (e.g., infection control, the leadership team, and food services). 

Provides medical nutrition therapy to patients at the hospital. Evaluates nutritional status of patients. Develops, implements, and evaluates nutrition care plans based on needs and expectations of patients and the recovery team, current evidenced-based knowledge, and professional experience. Updates and reviews annual nutrition plans. Documents in the medical record as indicated. Participates and serves as a member of the interdisciplinary recovery team.

Supervises and manages assigned staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, selecting and hiring potential employees, scheduling and assigning workload, establishing performance measures, evaluating work performance, providing feedback and guidance, recommending staff development and training, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, scheduling and approving leave, ensuring assigned staff participate in mandatory training, ensuring members of the clinical nutrition department provide competent and efficient care.

Oversees the development of education programs and materials. Counsels and trains consumers, staff, and families on nutrition principles, modified diet plans and food selection to support achievement of the best nutrition care of individuals. Develops in-service training programs for staff on nutrition principles, therapeutic diets, and related subjects upon request.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of food and nutrition, food systems management, food science including normal and therapeutic nutrition 

Knowledge of food service standards and procedures, and food science principles

Knowledge and skills in addressing nutrition needs related to population (i.e., persons with developmental disabilities, mental health and/or behavioral issues)

Knowledge of common drug/nutrient interactions which impact nutritional status.

Knowledge and ability to perform management and administrative tasks.

Knowledge of federal program evaluation requirements

Skills in providing nutrition care.

Skills in professional oral and written communication

Skills in Medical Nutrition Therapy including assessment, counseling, planning, and evaluating interventions, such as lab data.

Skills in utilizing computer hardware and applicable software and how to electronically store files/documents on a computer.

Skills in interviewing

Ability to counsel and train others in food and nutrition.

Ability to evaluate and communicate nutrition requirements.

Ability to develop and evaluate nutrition service plans and educational materials.

Ability to interact effectively with consumers, families, and staff.

Ability to work with various teams.

Ability to perform basic and complex math calculations.

Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to implement new systems and procedures and evaluate their effectiveness.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current registration as a Dietitian (R.D or R.D.N.) with the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration and licensure as a Dietitian (L.D.) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience working at a facility serving persons with psychiatric or intellectual developmental disabilities preferred.

At least one year of experience in a supervisory or leadership role as a dietician or nutritionist.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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