Community Nutritionist

Job Purpose:

The Community Nutritionist reports to the Manager of Allied Health – Primary Care as a member of the Community and Mental Health team. The Community Nutritionist is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the clinical nutrition program while supporting and overseeing the community-based component.

Clinical programming is provided in a primary care setting with an interdisciplinary health team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dentistry, and other allied health professionals. The Community Nutritionist provides individual nutrition counselling services for clients of NECHC programming, including but not limited to chronic disease prevention and management, special diet letters, and resource navigation. The clinical component may also include the development and facilitation of group programming based on the needs of the community.

The Community Nutritionist will also play an active role in community programming. This includes oversight and collaboration with a Dietetic Aide in the management and delivery of a monthly produce program, a local food network, and various short-term grant-dependent food programs.

The Community Nutritionist works Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition with successful completion of Dietetic Internship Program, required.

Licensed and in good standing with Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists, required

1-3 years working experience as a Registered Dietitian, healthcare setting preferred

Strong knowledge of North End Halifax

Understanding (or willing to learn) Afrocentric and/or Indigenous approaches to nutrition and food, required.

Experience working with communities with historical and current trauma and oppression.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical Programming

Collaborative Practice

Utilize a collaborative care approach to practice, working as a team member within the NECHC Primary Care Clinic team to provide coordinated care.

Work alongside, accept referrals from and make referrals to other providers within the collaborative team at NECHC, including social worker, family doctors, nurse practitioners, health case managers, PT, OT, dentists, etc.

Actively participate in bi-weekly Primary Care Collaborative Practice Rounds (CPR) with the interdisciplinary team to review complex clients.

Nutrition Counselling

Direct Counselling

Provide direct Nutrition Counselling with clients of the NECHC including, but not limited to, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and weight management.

Develop and maintain referral process, triage process, intake process and standardized follow-up plans for various medical conditions (eg. Standardized schedule for clients recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or other concerns which require various levels of intervention).

Complete individualized care plans for all clients comprised of assessment, implementation, evaluation and ongoing monitoring which incorporates evidence-based research.

Construct a standardized intake process that includes an assessment of a client’s needs, including housing situation, income sources, medical concerns and social needs.

Provide support/advocacy letters for Special Diet funding and Purchase Orders requests for clients receiving Income Assistance.

Maintain detailed client files, documentation and case notes- abiding by NSCDN and NECHC confidentiality standards and Code of Ethics.

Group Counselling

Create, facilitate and provide access to psycho-education and clinical groups to NECHC clients. These groups will focus on providing nutrition counselling support in a group setting with topics being offered based on client needs (e.g. Healthy Eating for Diabetic Management, Celiac Disease and Fixed Income).

Provide regular and standardized evaluation of groups.

Practice will be rooted in Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed care; this includes understanding the influence of active substance use/addiction has on nutrition absorption, organ function, eating habits and lifestyle.

Practice will incorporate and support Afrocentric and Indigenous approaches to nutrition and food, ensuring culturally appropriate and responsive care and options are provided.

Practice must be rooted in Trauma Informed Care and Anti-Oppressive Practice, which including a strong understanding of the influences of poverty, oppression, marginalization and trauma has on the social determinants of health.

Resource Navigation•

Provide referrals to appropriate community agencies/organizations providing access to meals and/or access to food.

Build active partnerships with community agencies who provide appropriate resources or support, including culturally appropriate resources.

Precepting Dietetic Interns

Identify appropriate projects for learners based on experience, areas of interest, and population needs

Support the learning of students through job shadowing, shared learnings, and training opportunities

Monitor progress in achieving internship competencies and identify key learning opportunities to ensure completion of same

Provide feedback to learners and faculty staff, complete required documentation

Community Programming:

Assess, identify and evaluate community needs and goals. Develop and deliver appropriate programming surrounding food and nutritarian.

Construct programming in line with NECHC’s mission, vision and values.

Provide group programming which considers culturally responsive approaches and delivery models(specifically Afrocentric and Indigenous approaches to care, food and health).

Complete comprehensive program briefs/charters during development and planning phases; including clear and measurable outcomes, key stakeholders, partnerships, budget and timelines of each program.

Plan, develop and deliver programming alongside Dietetic Aide, as needed.

Complete regular and scheduled evaluations and complete comprehensive report as required by funders.

Assist in the delivery of any established Community Programming, including monthly Good Food Box Program, Food Fit, and North End Food Network.

Professional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices in the field of nutrition, with an emphasis on the prevention and management of chronic disease.

Understanding of health promotion, population health, and the determinants of health theory and practice.

Familiarity with group facilitation, adult education, and motivational interviewing techniques.

Commitment to working through a harm reduction lens.

Demonstrated competence in electronic communication and Microsoft Office products.

Commitment to contributing to a team environment that strives for inclusive practices.

Reliable access to a vehicle is considered an asset but not required.