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Dietitian Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 8/5/09; 4/22/10; 10/28/22 DIETITIAN DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for integrating and applying principles derived from nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management, and the behavioral and social sciences to achieve and maintain health. The incumbent assesses nutrition needs and food patterns of individuals or families, plans for and directs food appropriate for physical and dietary needs, and provides nutrition, counseling. The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level administrator with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Assesses the individual’s nutritional needs and eating patterns utilizing a variety of methods including interviews, diet histories, medical diagnoses and laboratory tests; Plans and creates individual diets and food plans to meet the individuals nutritional and special needs and prescribes skilled nutrition interventions and care either alone or as part of an interdisciplinary care team; Instructs individuals and/or other service providers regarding dietary options; Demonstrates feeding methodologies to individuals and/or service providers; Conducts in-service training for staff and/or participants; Refers individuals to appropriate community agencies as required; Coordinates dietary care with services provided by others; Reviews nutrition related policies and makes recommendations for new or revised policies; Creates and maintains a variety of records and creates a variety of reports; Reports orally and in writing to a higher level administrator as required; Attends training events and/or conferences as required or needed to establish and/or maintain proficiency; May assist in the preparation of menus. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices related to nutrition including nutritional and dietary assessment and planning; Good knowledge of public health care; Good knowledge of federal, state and local laws rules and regulations to dietary care and services; Working knowledge of modern public health nursing and clinical practices; Ability to assess nutritional and dietary needs and prescribe appropriate nutrition; Ability to instruct others regarding nutritional information and/or feeding methods; Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files; Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; ---PAGE BREAK--- Dietitian Page 2 I 2 Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in food and nutrition and registration or eligibility for registration by the American Dietetic Association. NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal. NOTE: The minimum qualifications for this position are mandated under Section 700.2 of New York State Health Rules and Regulations.