PACE Nutrition Assistant

Job Details: Job Location: Midland Care Topeka PACE Center

• Topeka, KS, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Day, Summary The purpose of this position is to support the Registered Dietician in managing the dietary and nutritional needs of PACE participants. Role of a PACE Nutrition Assistant Information-sharing of dietary recommendations Menu-planning Establishing cultural competence Compliance with regulatory requirements Documentation of participant care Observation of diet-related complications Essential Duties & Responsibilities People
• Assures excellent customer service is provided.
• Monitoring of Participant’s nutritional status while implementing the Plan of Care.
• Communicates with Registered Dietician (RD) of any concerns, areas of improvement for participant’s nutritional needs and/or eating function.
• Communicates with RD observed signs of malnutrition, allergic reactions, or refusal to eat.
• Assists in ordering and purchasing of food for the PACE Day Center.
• Menu-planning, which includes: validating participant preferences, substitution lists, therapeutic diets, and product availability.
• Monitoring of food preparation and delivery in the PACE Day Center according to: schedules, menus, standardized recipes, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Completing nutrition screens with oversight and guidance by RD.
• Monitoring supply delivery of nutritional supplements; manage the preparation and service of special nourishments and supplemental feedings.
• Obtaining and recording of PACE participant weigh with oversight and guidance by RD. Service
• In partnership with PACE Dietary Team and Meals on Wheels, monitoring compliance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Assists in other areas of the Midland organization as may be needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Quality
• Carries out the mission and values of Midland Care Connection.
• Respects the autonomy and right to confidentiality, self-determination, informed consent, privacy, and security of all participants/participants and families.
• Reports changes in participant condition to the Registered Dietician and seeks needed changes as warranted.
• Processes new diet orders which include: diet changes, updating of diet cards, and information accuracy in electronic medical record.
• Documents care provided and the response of the participant/family timely in the participant’s medical record.
• Participates in departmental and/or agency-wide quality improvement activities. Growth
• Seeks opportunities for professional growth; uses evolving technologies as instructed
• Attends departmental meetings as required.
• Completes annual mandatory education.
• Maintains current, active licensure as required. Finance
• Monitors and responds to reports including utilization of goods and services.
• Utilizes company resources in a prudent and appropriate manner; is a good steward of company resources. The Midland Way Other Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Carries out the mission and values of Midland. Articulates Midland Philosophy. Demonstrates a willingness to assist in participant/participant and family care as needed. Respects the autonomy and right of confidentiality of participants/participants and families. Demonstrates good customer service the Midland Way at all times. Participates in performance improvement activities. Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with other staff. Comes to work in neat, clean attire and consistently presents an appropriately professional appearance. Comes to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates dependability and punctuality. Understands the organization’s computer system(s) and the software(s) used within the department as applicable to this position. Serves as a Universal Employee and accepts assigned duties in a cooperative manner. Performs all duties as assigned in an effective manner. Understands and demonstrates compliance with Midland policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Qualifications Required: Must possess a valid Kansas or Missouri Driver’s License, in force automobile liability insurance and maintain a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that meets organization’s insurability standard as defined by Midland policy. Availability of reliable transportation is required for this position. Experience with older adults.

If not already a Certified Dietary Manager, the expectation is that this certification is obtained within 6 months of hire. Preferred but not required: Experience working as a Dietary Manager or in a dietary department. Physical Demands Must be able to continuously stand and walk, frequently squat, climb stairs, bend to the floor, kneel, twist, sit, and remain in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods of time.

Must have visual acuity sufficient to continuously note changes in participant condition (breathing, color), and to read instruments. Must have hearing acuity sufficient to hear verbal instructions and communication from participants, respond to emergency alarms, and answer the telephone. Must be able to concentrate on moderate details with frequent interruptions, attend to specific functions for 10-25 minutes, remember multiple tasks and assignments over an 8-hour period, and understand and relate specific ideas and concepts.

Must be able to deal effectively with stress, participants and their families, multiple tasks, noise, and interruptions, and to work cooperatively with other members of the interdisciplinary team while maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. Must be able to travel to and access participant homes where conditions may be adverse due to weather, environment, or participants' lifestyles.