Director | Nutrition Services | University

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Directs the functions of clinical nutrition and patient services for the system. These functions include, but are not limited to, management, education, training, and performance improvement. In coordination with the CON, assures compliance with all regulatory agencies in each system facility. Ensures patient satisfaction and good public relations are achieved through the safe and efficient use of resources. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
Directs the functions of clinical nutrition and patient services for the system. These functions include, but are not limited to, management, education, training, and performance improvement. In coordination with the CON, assures compliance with all regulatory agencies in each system facility. Ensures patient satisfaction and good public relations are achieved through the safe and efficient use of resources. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Coordinates and implements system’s clinical nutrition programs based upon system’s medical direction and patient population.
• Assigns and directs the workload and adequately staffs clinical areas in the system.
• Evaluates and coordinates system-wide nutrition formulary.
• Oversees systems and processes to ensure the strategic and operational objectives of the client for the system are met.
• Develops and maintains performance standards to include quality assessment/improvement programs. Develops and recommends procedures to improve operational efficiency and quality of service provided.
• Complies with regulatory agencies, including federal, state, and JCAHO as evidenced by successful completion of surveys with no deficiencies.
• Completes all required documentation, reports and logs in a timely, professional and thorough manner.
• Follows facility Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Follows the facility’s protocols for Hazardous Materials and Waste Program; adheres to Emergency Preparedness Program and participates in disaster drills as appropriate.
• Adheres to Life Safety Program and participates in fire drills as appropriate.
• Communicates effectively with all team members, patients and families through conferences, individual consultation and committee participation.
• Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs as appropriate.
• Directs the activities of associates; monitors Associates performance and clarifies work expectations, and assists with goal setting; promotes cooperation among individuals and groups. Develops and implements processes through orientation, training and education to ensure that the competence of all staff members is assessed, maintained, improved and demonstrated throughout their employment.
• Develops and administers capital and expense budgets for the department, authorizes expenditures, and monitors budget and other financial indicators. Assists in the development and implementation of plans to control costs and improve department operations.

Education/Formal Training Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Dietitics
• Bachelor's Degree Food and Nutrition
• Bachelor's Degree Food Systems Management
• Master's Degree Dietitics
• Master's Degree Food and Nutrition
• Master's Degree Food Systems Management

Work Experience Requirements

• 1-3 years Management
• 5-7 years Registered dietitian

Licenses and Certifications Requirements

• Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist - Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Dietitian/Nutritionist Mississippi - Mississippi State Department of Health
• Dietitian/Nutritionist Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Dietitians/Nutritionist Examiners

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of clinical nutrition practice, procedures, and regulatory standards gained through work related experience in food and nutrition.
• Ability to understand and prepare complex written materials.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of Associates, management, physicians, and patients and their families.
• Ability to lead and motivate individuals and groups of people toward the accomplishment of work and organizational goals.
• Skill in negotiating with and between individuals and groups of people, including Associates, management and physicians.
• Ability to plan and schedule tasks and projects and to maintain control of own and others’ work flow.
• Skill in developing and implementing long-range plans and programs.
• Ability to work without close supervision or professional guidance and to exercise independent judgment.

Supervision Provided by this Position

• Manages Clinical Dieticians and Dietician Techs.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, carrying, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the Associate will be subject in this position: The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.