Diabetes Care & Education Spec

Job Summary

Responsible and accountable for clinical development activities to include structured programs, in-services, orientation and ongoing educational programs based on learner and organizational needs that foster the development of competence in the clinical staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (Outline of only the minimum requirements for the job code)
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics or Related Healthcare Field
Minimum Years of Experience: 2 Years of Experience as Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or Clinical Dietician
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Certification as Diabetes Care and Education Specialist; or must obtain certification as Diabetes Care and Education Specialist within 1 year of start date as a condition of continued employment.

Certification in CPR.
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Works in a cooperative manner, which fosters relations between employees and patients, patients’ families, visitors, fellow employees, and the medical staff. Understands and accepts the chain of command, supervision, and constructive criticism.
• Exhibits commitment and pride through personal example by speaking positively about LMC, the department employees, and guests.
• Contributes to teamwork and creates harmonious, effective and positive working relationships with others.
• Respects, understands, and responds with sensitivity to employees and guests by treating others as one would wish to be treated.
• Resolves conflicts and problem solves; exhibits telephone courtesy.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Utilizes the service recovery process to resolve complaints.
• Embodies behaviors, philosophy and values that serve to uphold the ideals and enhance the image of LMC and incorporates the professional practice standards of Diabetic Education Development. This role encompasses education, facilitation, project management, consultant, change agent and researcher.
• Functions as a patient and staff advocate.
• Assumes accountability for maintaining competencies in specialty. Completes Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist education hours per year.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership skills (critical thinking, delegation, team building & communication).
• Operationalizes patient care philosophy, standards of care and practice, P&P, protocols and incorporates into daily activities.
• Serves as a role model for staff.
• Serves as a resource for nursing staff and other health care personnel in the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to their practice.
• Contributes to the growth and development of others.
• Sets and manages goals and educational activities that are congruent with the department and organization’s mission, vision and values.
• Serves as a change agent at the unit, organizational and community levels by influencing policies, procedures and educational strategies.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and works with other members of the health care team to promote positive patient outcomes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current best clinical practices and research that may necessitate changes in clinical practice.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads implementation of best practice processes regarding learner need identification, curriculum development, educational delivery methods and coaching to promote professional growth and development.
• Facilitates and leads teams; serves on committees and task forces as needed.
• Participates in monitoring and evaluation of patient outcomes related to staff competency.
• Supports the integration of research into evidence-based practice.
• Reviews and evaluates current research from a variety of disciplines (adult education, organizational development and training, healthcare trends, etc.) and integrates findings into staff development programs.
• Communicates effectively throughout the healthcare system.
• Communicates education outcomes to clinical staff and leaders.
• Shares knowledge with other healthcare team members.
• Maintains required records and reports.
• Provides appropriate climate for learning and facilitates the adult learning process.
• Incorporates teaching and learning theories, curriculum and evaluation design, and technological options into educational approaches.
• Meets all requirements as defined by LMC policies.
• Completes yearly safety training and other mandatory classes.
• Meets departmental attendance requirements
• Remains flexible in hours and days worked required.
• Facilitates the staff’s acquisition of knowledge and skills needed to provide cost-effective, quality patient care.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates and revises patient care and diabetic management education.
• Collaborates with learners and supervisors utilizing outcomes data to plan and present educational activities that foster competency in staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.