What is the role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian?

Are you passionate about nutrition and helping individuals overcome eating disorders? Dive into the rewarding role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian at Discovery Behavioral Health. 

In this blog, we'll explore the vital responsibilities, requirements, and skills needed for this position and the opportunities it presents for personal and professional growth within our supportive and compassionate healthcare environment. 

Join us as we delve into the impactful world of eating disorder care and discover how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Job responsibilities and duties of an Eating Disorder Dietitian 

These responsibilities encompass the multifaceted role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian, involving patient interaction, documentation, group facilitation, oversight, nutritional expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Patient Interaction and Meal Planning

• Meet with each patient on a weekly basis to implement and manage individualized dietary meal plans, including conducting weekly calorie counts.
• Conduct Dietary Intake assessments upon admission.
• Implement one dietary treatment plan for each client within a week of admission.

Documentation and Progress Monitoring

• Complete documentation on each client’s progress throughout the treatment experience, ensuring that daily progress notes reflect the goals within the treatment plan.
• Communicate with referring and/or outpatient treatment teams throughout patients' treatment episode.

Group Facilitation and Education

• Facilitate Nutrition Groups that are appropriate for adult and adolescent age groups.
• Facilitate family sessions and education, including therapeutic meals, as appropriate.

Supervision and Oversight

• Provide oversight of Diet Technicians to encourage supportive mealtimes and monitoring of supplementation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Dietary Services and the treatment team to ensure the best standard of nutrition and dietary services are occurring.

Nutritional Expertise and Communication

• Enforce dietary program guidelines and advise clients appropriately on food choices.
• Demonstrate understanding of the medical consequences of eating disorders and the hazards of re-feeding, avoiding complications.
• Ability to implement specific dietary exchange patterns through knowledge of portion size and caloric recommendations.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Communicate with the medical doctor regarding any medical problems that may require dietary intervention. This is an example of the multidisciplinary treatments for eating disorders we provide our patients with. This ensures we provide well-rounded and holistic care tailored to the patient's specific condition. 
• Maintain appropriate accessibility to family members, including weekly communication with parents of adolescents.

Requirements needed to be an Eating Disorder Dietitian

Educational Background and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with appropriate emphasis and completed accredited dietetic internship
• Preferred one year experience in dietary counseling.
• The Registered Dietitian must be fully registered/certified in the appropriate state, candidates who have completed their dietetic internship and are eligible to take the registration exam may be considered
• Must have a thorough knowledge of nutrition and dietary interventions in the mental health field.

Unsure if you meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply regardless! 

At Discovery Behavioral Health, we value diversity, fostering an inclusive environment to deliver innovative care. If you meet some but not all of the criteria listed above, we still welcome your application for consideration.

Skills needed in an Eating Disorder Dietitian job

Nutritional Expertise and Counseling Skills

• Proficiency in providing dietary support, conducting client menu planning, and discerning between appropriate and inappropriate eating behaviors.
• Ability to effectively communicate nutritional information and advise clients on food choices.

Kitchen Management and Culinary Skills

• Competency in maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, cooking, baking, and food preparation as needed.

Explore Eating Disorder Dietitian jobs with DBH

At Discovery Behavioral Health, we recognize the vital role of Eating Disorder Diet Technicians in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from eating disorders. 

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission of providing compassionate and comprehensive behavioral healthcare. 

Explore Eating Disorder Dietitian positions with DBH and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.