Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist - Waterbury Hospital

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Reporting to the Manager of Endocrinology, and Medical Director of Bone Health & Diabetes Management, if applicable. CDCES is a Registered Dietician who provides effective diabetes educational programs for patients and their families in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education, functioning as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team.  Provides medical nutritional therapy and medical management to patients, as appropriate. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides effective individual and group Diabetes Self-Management Education and Medical Nutrition Therapy, individualizing teaching plans. Chooses appropriate educational materials and interventions based on assessment of each patient’s needs and the National Standards of the American Diabetes Association.
• Promotes positive behavioral changes to control risk factors for complications, via goal-setting. Schedules additional visits/telephone calls as appropriate to assist patients to reach or revise goals.
• Documents each patient’s assessment, education plan, intervention, evaluation, and follow-up in the permanent confidential education record visits per department procedure, within 48 hours of patient visit. Documentation will show evidence of collaboration among instructional staff, providers, and referral sources.
• Responds to telephone calls from patients within 24 hours. Ensures that every patient seen has at least one follow-up visit, phone call or other contact.
• Obtains regular continuing education in the areas of diabetes management, behavioral interventions, teaching and learning skills, and counseling skills.
• Participates in departmental meetings and programs, special projects and community activities. Actively supports DSMP development and expansion.
• Helps orient new staff, if appropriate

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Certification by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) preferred
• Experience: Minimum one-year experience
• Licensure and/or Certification: Licensed Registered Dietitian preferred
• Interpersonal and communication skills