Metabolic Bariatric Counselor

Built-in 1973, Dignity Health Methodist Hospital of Sacramento is committed to providing daily excellence in health care for residents of Sacramento’s southern suburbs, including the Elk Grove, Wilton, and Galt communities. Methodist Hospital is home to a 158 acute-care bed facility with 1,120 employees, 283 medical staff, and 29 Emergency Department beds. Methodist Hospital also owns and operates Bruceville Terrace – a 171-bed, sub-acute skilled nursing long-term care facility adjacent to the hospital that provides care for the elderly, as well as those requiring extended recoveries. Methodist Hospital is home to the Family Medicine Residency Program, an accredited and nationally recognized program which provides resident physicians with specialty training in primary care family medicine. Together, the hospital and residency program implemented a ground-breaking curriculum addressing the identification, treatment, and assistance of human trafficking victims and created a one-of-a-kind health clinic for victims, the Human Trafficking Medical Home.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Manager, the Metabolic and Bariatric Counselor provides nutrition guidance and supportive counseling to metabolic and bariatric patients. Comprehensive obesity management is addressed through the development, implementation, and monitoring of dietary recommendations with emphasis on weight loss surgeries, obesity medications, and obesity associated comorbidities. Provision of clinical nutrition care requires knowledge of the principles of metabolic and bariatric treatments, and the ability to analyze data, assess nutrition status and formulate nutrition care plans.

Job Duties: 

• Screening and Assessment -- Assess the metabolic and bariatric patient by screening the medical record; completing a comprehensive assessment based on medical record data and interview with the patient; and by assessing the patient based on religious, cultural and ethnic preferences.
• Nutrition Counseling -- Recommends appropriate nutrition intervention to the metabolic and bariatric patient throughout their treatment based on subjective and objective data, including but not limited to, protein parameters, iron level, vitamin levels, and calcium level, caloric needs, etc
• Education -- Educates patients based on cultural, religious and ethnic preferences. Individualizes patient education materials based on the patient's age and comprehension levels. Provides appropriate resources and education according to identified needs. Documents education provided, including evidence of family teaching (as applicable), measurable understanding of principles discussed, and assessment of anticipated compliance. Participates in patient group teaching as needed. Serves as a nutrition educator by providing education, lectures and programs to Methodist Hospital staff, patients and community. Evaluates and develops nutrition education materials.
• Performance Improvement -- Identifies issues, collects, evaluates and reports data as assigned. Participates in problem solving and resolution of issues.Collaborates with others in committees, work groups or projects designed to improve services.
• Communication -- Participates in metabolic and bariatric surgery team rounds/meetings and assigned committees. Collaborates with physicians, nurses and other allied health staff to provide patient care. Documents nutrition referrals, as needed, to ensure quality nutrition care throughout the continuum of care. Documents nutritional care in the medical record, according to established policy, procedure and standards.
• Documentation -- Documents desired outcomes specific to the individual patient problem(s), diagnosis (es), learning capabilities/limitations, and progress towards established goals.
• Professional development – Maintains CPEU's as required by the American Nutrition Association in order to maintain registration. Develops and provides in-service education to department staff, colleagues and other departments.
• Administrative Responsibilities -- Assists with development of department standards, guidelines, and policies and procedures. Adheres to all regulatory standards. Serves as a preceptor for dietetic interns and/or students.
• Patient/Customer Focus -- Ensuring that the patient perspective is a driving force behind our actions and business decisions; crafting and implementing service practices that meet patients' and own organization's needs (focus also includes internal and external customers.
• Technical Competence -- Demonstrates breadth and/or depth of professional/technical skills and capabilities required for position; shares knowledge; sets or contributes to the Company's direction within area of expertise.
• Healthcare Industry -- Knowledge of healthcare industry's trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations and trendsetters; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
• Effective communications -- Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelors in Nutrition or related field.

• 1–3 years Registered Dietitian in an outpatient setting.

• 1–3 years Working experience with a concentration in Bariatric Surgery and/or Obesity Medicine.

Licensure and Certifications

• Registered Dietician (RD) – upon hire

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training

• Capable of public speaking with the ability to effectively educate and motivate small to large groups in person and/or via telehealth platforms.

• Capable of providing one on one supportive and empathetic care to patients in person and/or via telehealth platforms.