Job Abstract

Diet Technician

Full-time / 32 hours

Barberton Campus

Summa Health System is recognized as one of the region’s top employers by a number of third party organizations, including NorthCoast 99. Exceptional candidates gravitate to Summa because of its culture, passion for delivering excellent service to our patients and families commitment to our philosophy of servant leadership, collegial working relationships at every level of the organization and competitive pay and benefits.

Summary:
Functions as a member of interdisciplinary health care team by receiving nutrition related assignments from the registered dietitian. Performs the screening/rescreening of patients throughout their stay in the hospital. Assists the registered dietitian in the assessment, development and instruction of nutritional care plans for patients of any age. Educates patients on menu selections allowed within the diet prescription and maintains and updates diet orders; monitors carbohydrate controlled, renal and other therapeutic diets. Accurately obtains meal orders from patients via phone calls or assisting the patient on the nursing unit with computer. Identifies and educates patients on their prescribed diets during the meal selection. Uses the computer to process orders with consideration for delivery times and peak periods in the kitchen. Communicates with the nursing staff and tray passers regarding any patient food and nutrition needs.

Formal Education Required:
- Associate Degree Program approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Registered Diet Technician, DTR or bachelors degree in Dietetics.
- Maintains a personal professional portfolio of 50 continuing education units in a five year period per the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Other Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Ability to compile and analyze data that will be used by others in making patient care decisions.
- Ability to effectively communicate with medical staff, nursing patients, customers and staff.
- Ability to answer telephones and use computer and related office equipment.
- Ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to be prompt, effective and efficient when handling phone transactions.
- Ability to lift, push, and pull light to medium weight objects and occasionally heavy weight objects; ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
- Assumes accountability for demonstrating behaviors consistent with the customer service policy.
- Ability to effectively interact with populations of patients/customers with an understanding of their needs for self-respect and dignity.
- Follows hospital departmental safety procedures.
- Attends hospital and department in-services and meetings.
- Population specific competency; Ability to effectively interact with population of patients/customers with an understanding of their need for self-respect and dignity.

The salary range on this job posting/advertising is base salary exclusive of any bonuses or differentials. Many factors, such as years of relevant experience and geographical location are considered when determining the starting rate of pay. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members when determining offers. Please keep in mind that the range that is listed is the full base salary range. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical.