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 is a part-time, 3 days/week (Mon-Wed) position.

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.
- Provides individualized care in all aspects of diabetes self-management to patients and their families.
- Utilizes teaching strategies that are age appropriate and adapted to group and individual interventions.
- Provides clinical and educational interventions with consideration of the cultural, ethical, and spiritual values and needs of patients & their families.
- Provides recommendations regarding pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy.
- Evaluates the educational process to achieve outcomes. Anticipates variances, and makes revisions to the educational plan as appropriate.
- Provides validation of clinical decisions for other staff members. Seeks validation from others for complex patients or unfamiliar situations.

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 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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