Clinical Dietitian

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

265 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

400119 Surgery-Cancer Control

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCB 211 H

Compensation Range:

$30.00 - $40.50

Responsibilities:

This posting is for a Time as Reported (TAR) Registered Dietitian (herein referred to as the Study Dietitian), averaging approximately 10 hours per week, who will provide education and coaching for the intervention arm of a multisite randomized controlled trial utilizing a whole food, plant-based diet in women with metastatic breast cancer. The trial is anticipated to last approximately 2.5 years.

Study participants will receive frozen prepared meals for part of their participation, along with intensive education and support provided by the Study Dietitian. Participants will attend a virtual group class every other week and receive regular individual coaching via phone or videoconference. The Study Dietitian will be responsible for delivering group classes and providing individual coaching to all intervention participants in accordance with the study protocol.

The Study Dietitian will participate in training with study investigators and the interdisciplinary study team to become familiar with the approved study protocol and curriculum. Following training, the Study Dietitian will teach two virtual group classes via Zoom every other week and conduct recurring individual coaching calls with participants assigned to the intervention arm. The Study Dietitian will help participants understand, adopt, and adhere to the whole food, plant-based dietary pattern throughout their participation in the study.

Responsibilities will include leading group discussions; providing education regarding recipes, meal planning, and diet-related resources; explaining the rationale for and practical application of a whole food, plant-based diet; and coordinating with guest content experts as appropriate. During individual phone or videoconference coaching sessions, the Study Dietitian will monitor participants for common concerns and barriers associated with adopting the dietary pattern and provide individualized education, coaching, and strategies to address those barriers when possible.

The Study Dietitian will complete required study documentation for all participant interactions in accordance with established study procedures and will participate in regular meetings and other study-related activities with the interdisciplinary research team.

All study participants are women with metastatic breast cancer and may be located anywhere within the continental United States.

Although the position is expected to average approximately 10 hours per week, weekly hours may vary based on participant enrollment, class schedules, coaching needs, study meetings, and other protocol-related activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Run group education classes to help study participants learn about the whole food, plant-based diet per the study curriculum. Provides ongoing nutritional assessment, monitoring, evaluation, and education to patients and families. Develops and implements individualized nutrition care plans for patients across the lifecycle, from infants to the elderly, as assigned. Integrates evidence-based research in the education, practice and management of patients.
• Provide individual coaching for all intervention participants, which will include informal body weight tracking and supportive discussions around improving participants’ experiences of trying to follow this dietary pattern.
• Document all interactions with study participants per study procedures
• Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help communicate with participants regarding all study activities as needed, including those outside of direct responsibility. This position will be one of the most frequent contacts between study participants and the study.
• Participate in regular meetings with study team members and provide updates regarding successes and challenges among participants and study processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree Accepted if certified by the Commission on Dietetics Registration for degrees received before 1/1/2024 and completion of one-year dietetic internship experience required
• Master's degree  CEND certified for degrees received on/after 1/1/2024 and completion of one-year dietetic internship experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Clinical nutrition experience in a healthcare setting preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated strong communication skills required
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a busy, multi-disciplinary medical practice setting required
• Ability to prioritize workload and multi-task with accuracy and efficiency required
• Clinical experience running group classes or programs strongly preferred.
• Clinical experience coaching individuals to follow a whole food, plant-based diet (vegan with no added oils) strongly preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Registry-eligible by the Commission on Dietetic Registration upon hire required
• RD - Registered Dietitian within 9 months required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.