## Role Overview: Diabetes Dietician Educator at WVU Medicine WVU Medicine is seeking a dedicated and passionate Diabetes Dietician Educator to join our team at Ruby Memorial Hospital. In this role, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy to patients, empowering them to effectively manage their condition and improve their overall health. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health staff, to deliver patient-centered care. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals living with diabetes. You will play a vital role in educating patients about healthy eating, medication management, blood glucose monitoring, and other essential aspects of diabetes self-care. Your expertise and guidance will help patients achieve their health goals and prevent complications associated with diabetes. ## A Day in the Life of a Diabetes Dietician Educator As a Diabetes Dietician Educator at WVU Medicine, your daily responsibilities may include: * **Patient Assessment:** Conducting thorough assessments of patients' nutritional status, medical history, and diabetes knowledge to identify individual needs and goals. * **Education Plan Development:** Developing personalized education plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and learning style. * **Education Delivery:** Providing individual and group education sessions on various topics related to diabetes management, such as healthy eating, carbohydrate counting, insulin administration, and blood glucose monitoring. * **Medical Nutrition Therapy:** Providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to patients with diabetes, including developing meal plans and counseling on dietary modifications. * **Monitoring and Evaluation:** Monitoring patients' progress and evaluating the effectiveness of education plans, making adjustments as needed. * **Collaboration:** Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients with diabetes. * **Documentation:** Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records. * **Community Outreach:** Participating in community outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management. * **Professional Development:** Staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in diabetes care and education. ## Why Morgantown, West Virginia? Morgantown, West Virginia, is a vibrant and growing city that offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown has a youthful energy and a diverse population. The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and music venues. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports in the surrounding area. Morgantown is also conveniently located within driving distance of several major cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The city has a strong sense of community and offers a welcoming environment for newcomers. With its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant recreational opportunities, Morgantown is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. ## Career Path for Diabetes Dietician Educators The career path for Diabetes Dietician Educators can vary depending on individual interests and goals. Some possible career advancement opportunities include: * **Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES):** Obtaining CDCES certification is a widely recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in diabetes education and management. * **Advanced Practice Dietitian:** Pursuing advanced education and training to become an advanced practice dietitian, specializing in diabetes care. * **Diabetes Program Coordinator:** Taking on a leadership role in coordinating and managing diabetes education programs. * **Clinical Research:** Participating in clinical research studies related to diabetes prevention and treatment. * **Management:** Advancing into management positions, such as supervising other dietitians or managing a nutrition department. ## Salary and Benefits at WVU Medicine WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its employees. The salary for a Diabetes Dietician Educator will depend on factors such as experience, education, and certifications. The benefits package typically includes: * **Health Insurance:** Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. * **Paid Time Off:** Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual for vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) or other retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions. * **Life Insurance:** Company-paid life insurance. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance. * **Professional Development:** Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. * **Employee Assistance Program:** Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families. * **Wellness Programs:** Programs and resources to support employee health and well-being. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Assistance with tuition expenses for eligible employees pursuing further education. ## WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork. We value our employees and provide a supportive and rewarding work environment. We are dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and are constantly striving to improve our services. We encourage our employees to grow and develop their skills, and we offer opportunities for advancement within the organization. ## How to Apply To apply for the Diabetes Dietician Educator position at WVU Medicine, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. You will be directed to our online application system, where you can submit your resume and cover letter. Please be sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in your application materials. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** *Registration with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Licensure through the West Virginia Board of Licensed Dietitians, State criminal background check, Certification in area of specialty within 1,000 hours of documented diabetes education teaching, Two (2) years of clinical experience, One (1) year of experience in the care of diabetic patients. **2. Is CDCES certification required?** *CDCES certification is preferred but not required at the time of hire. However, obtaining CDCES certification is highly encouraged and may be required for career advancement. **3. What are the working hours for this position?** *The working hours for this position are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but may vary depending on the needs of the department. **4. Is there on-call responsibilities for this position?** *On-call responsibilities are not typically required for this position. **5. What is the dress code for this position?** *The dress code for this position is professional attire. **6. Are there opportunities for professional development?** *Yes, WVU Medicine provides opportunities for professional development and continuing education. **7. What is the team like?** *The Diabetes Dietician Educator will work as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health staff. **8. What type of patients will I be working with?** *The Diabetes Dietician Educator will work with a diverse patient population, including adults and children with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. **9. What are the opportunities for advancement?** *Opportunities for advancement may include becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), an advanced practice dietitian, or a diabetes program coordinator. **10. What is the work environment like?** *WVU Medicine provides a supportive and rewarding work environment. We value our employees and are committed to providing high-quality patient care.