Diabetes Educator

Dignity Health Medical Foundation established in 1993 is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health - one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California Arizona and Nevada. Today Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive health care services to the many communities we serve. As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

Dignity Health Medical Group – Northridge Family Medicine a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation is conveniently located on the Northridge Hospital Medical Center campus and offers full service family medicine hospital medicine maternity care sports medicine and pediatric services to the community. In addition to more than 10 family medicine providers we are part of one of the few teaching hospitals in the valley where the Dignity Health Family Medicine Residency at Northridge (affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA) has educated family physicians for more than three decades many of whom stay to serve this community.

***Please note:  This poistion is part-time, 3 days/week.

Position Summary:

The Diabetes Nutrition Educator has in-depth knowledge of biology and social sciences and is skilled in communication and counseling. This position focuses on seven specific behaviors which are essential for improving the diabetic patient's health and quality of life. The Diabetic Educator encompasses interaction with an interdisciplinary team of Residents & Faculty.

Responsibilities may include:
- In accordance with the National Scope and Standards of Diabetes Education, as well as the National Standards for Diabetes Education, assesses the needs of diabetes patients and designs, implements and evaluates a teaching plan. Knowledgeable regarding all aspects of diabetes care and acts as a resource for patients, community, and IHS personnel. Provides individualized care for all aspects of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and diabetes self-management. Encompasses interaction with an interdisciplinary diabetes team of professionals. The Diabetes Educator/Nutrition specialist is responsible for teaching family medicine residents and medical students.
- Collects and interprets complex data and recognizes subtle changes in the patient/family condition. Maintains appropriate documentation.
- Provides individual and group consultations to include assessment, instruction, and evaluation of nutrition programs and meal plans in accordance with physician referral and with the ADA Nutrition Guidelines.
- Plans, develops and implements new programs to meet the needs of the patient population and enhance diabetes self-management education within Organization. These may include outpatient services, inpatient consulation, and external community and professional programs. Participates in activities that promote and expand the reputation and the services of the diabetes center.
- Assists in the marketing of diabetes center services to IHS departments and operating units, physicians, consumers, and the community, through development of promotional materials, presentations, health fairs, in-services, and seminars.
- Participates in self-directed work teams to evaluate existing programs, identify need for new programs, and assist in development or revision as appropriate.
- Develops new patient educational materials.
- Participates in community and professional outreach that increases overall awareness of diabetes.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

- 1 year or 500 hours of direct diabetes education within the last 2 years.
- Bachelors Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from an accredited college or university.
- Required to obtain CDE/CDCES within 6 months of hire date. CDE/CDCES by Nat'l Cert Board for Diabetes Education, and CPR American Dietetic Association Examination.
- Membership in professional associations
- Contact hours, continuing education, specialty training in diabetes self-management education (25 contact hours/year, 24 CE 1st yr, 14 CE sub. yrs (12 diabetes and 2 educ/behavioral strategies)

Preferred Qualifications:

- 2 years or 1000 hours of direct diabetes education within the last 2 years
- Advanced degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from an from accredited college or university.
- Membership in 2 of the following associations : American Assoc Diabetes Education, American Diabetes Ass, Amer Diet Assoc
- Contact hours, continuing education, specialty training in diabetes self-management education (60 contact hrs/year, 20 cont.ed. (16 diabetes and 4 educ/behavioral strategies, 34 1st year)

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