Medical Nutritionist at Savannah Healthcare

SHL/HRD/03/06/23

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Assess, diagnose and treat diet-related problems and raise awareness of the link between food, lifestyle and health to prevent future problems. It also involves translating scientific information about nutrition into practical advice to help patients make health-conscious decisions about food and lifestyle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take social, medical and dietary history of the patient
• Provide nutritional counselling and create a clinical treatment plan
• Evaluate the nutritional needs of patients and provide individual treatment plan
• Perform exercise, anthropometry and lifestyle assessment and advise on weight-management plans
• Collaborate with other health professionals on nutrition management for individual patients
• Provide education to participants in nutrition principles, dietary plans, food selection and substance abuse when necessary
• Address patients’ individual needs by assuring appropriate referral and follow up
• Determine level of urgency of follow-up for patients aftercare
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient information
• Referring complicated cases for specialized medical management
• To conduct medical camps, giving of health talks and conducting anthropometric measurements and interpreting the results.
• To conduct Lamaze classes , where training of mothers on childbirth, emphasizing breathing control and relaxation techniques during labour.
• Preparing reports to the management on nutritional activities and operations
• Assessing preparation, storage and other food management practices in hospital kitchen to ensure the health well being of patients is well taken care
• Recognizing appropriate behavioural-change modifications and dietary approaches for different diseases, ages and populations
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, Community nutrition, Food Science and Nutrition, Dietetics Management or Clinical nutrition.
• A Bachelors’ Degree in Nutrition and dietetics will be an added advantage.
• One-year experience in community nutrition and/or maternal and child health preferred or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of nutritional management approaches and techniques
• Sound knowledge of common nutrition deficiency related illnesses and their clinical and nutritional management.
• Ability to provide direct care in a kind and compassionate manner
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and in a team-based environment
• Ability to work under stress and to work long hours
• Training or experience in reproductive health care
• Excellent interpersonal and relations skills
• Experience in social work and working with families/communities
• High level patient counseling skills