Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of progressive health care, the focus on Diabetes Care and Education Specialists has never been more critical.

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, educate, and safeguard the health of patients living with this chronic condition.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the complexities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of diabetes care and education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Diabetes Care and Education Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Diabetes Care and Education Specialists focus on helping patients manage their diabetes and improve their quality of life.

They provide education, resources, and support to help patients understand and better manage their condition.

The duties and responsibilities of a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist include:

• Educating patients about diabetes, including causes, symptoms, risks, and management strategies
• Developing personalized care plans for patients with diabetes, considering their health status, lifestyle, and personal preferences
• Monitoring patients’ blood glucose levels and other health indicators regularly
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, dietitians, and pharmacists, to ensure comprehensive care
• Providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, medication, and other lifestyle changes to control diabetes
• Assisting patients in using diabetes-related equipment and technologies, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors
• Conducting regular follow-ups with patients to assess their progress and make necessary adjustments to their care plans
• Documenting patient information, care plans, and treatment outcomes in medical records
• Educating patients’ family members or caregivers about diabetes and how to support the patient in managing the disease

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Diabetes Care and Education Specialist to provide comprehensive diabetes care, education and support.

The specialist will be responsible for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of diabetes care and education for patients.

The candidate should be skilled in providing dietary advice, insulin management and conducting diabetes self-management education sessions.

They should also have an in-depth understanding of diabetes and the latest trends and treatments in diabetes care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patient’s health status, analyze and interpret health data to identify patient’s needs related to diabetes care
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans
• Educate patients and families about diabetes management, including dietary planning, physical activity, medication management and glucose monitoring
• Collaborate with healthcare team to coordinate patient care
• Document patient information and care provided in patient records
• Conduct group education sessions and workshops on diabetes care and prevention
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in diabetes care and education

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) required
• Current certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) required
• Minimum of 2 years experience in diabetes education
• Knowledge of current diabetes care and self-management principles and practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Some travel may be required for outreach programs or home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Healthcare Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $59,322 minimum to $98,531 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Do?

Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are healthcare professionals that work predominantly with patients diagnosed with diabetes.

They work closely with patients to manage their blood glucose levels and mitigate the symptoms of diabetes by developing personalized care plans.

This includes dietary recommendations, exercise regimens, and medication management.

Additionally, they educate patients about diabetes and its potential complications.

They teach patients how to monitor their blood glucose levels, administer insulin injections, and how to respond to instances of dangerously high or low blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Care and Education Specialists also collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as dietitians, endocrinologists, and primary care doctors to ensure a comprehensive healthcare approach.

They are also responsible for staying up-to-date with the latest research and treatment methods related to diabetes management and care.

Their ultimate goal is to improve their patients’ quality of life by helping them manage their diabetes effectively.

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Diabetes Care and Education Specialist needs to have a set of unique skills and qualifications that allow them to effectively manage and educate patients, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of diabetes and its management, enabling them to provide effective patient care and education.
• Exceptional communication skills to explain complex medical information to patients in a way that’s easy to understand, and to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients, instill trust, and maintain a positive and supportive interaction.
• Ability to interpret and analyze medical data, including blood glucose levels, to make necessary adjustments in the patient’s care plan.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify any issues in the patient’s care plan and find appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work well in a team setting with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Patience and empathy to deal with the emotional and physical challenges that patients with diabetes may experience.
• An understanding of dietary requirements and exercise regimes for diabetics, and the ability to educate patients about them.
• Ability to keep up-to-date with the latest research and developments in diabetes care and education.

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Experience Requirements

To start off their career, Diabetes Care and Education Specialists typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, dietetics, or a related field.

This is followed by a significant amount of practical experience in clinical settings during their studies.

Entry-level candidates generally have 1 to 2 years of experience in healthcare, often through internships, externships, or part-time roles in hospitals or clinical settings.

During this time, they acquire hands-on experience with patients, developing essential skills in patient care, communication, and diabetes education.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have specialized knowledge in diabetes management and education.

They have typically worked in roles such as Registered Nurse, Dietitian, or Health Educator with a focus on diabetes.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have considerable expertise in managing and educating patients with diabetes.

They may also have some leadership experience, having coordinated diabetes education programs or led teams in a healthcare setting.

These professionals are often ready for managerial roles, overseeing other diabetes care specialists and implementing organization-wide diabetes care standards and protocols.

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Diabetes Care and Education Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

They must also hold a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse, dietitian, or similar healthcare professional.

To become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), they must meet specific eligibility criteria which include professional practice experience in diabetes self-management education, and successful completion of the Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

In addition to the basic educational requirements, these professionals often need to have completed an internship or supervised practice program that provides them with practical experience in diabetes care and education.

Continuing education is important in this field due to constantly evolving research and treatment options.

As such, many specialists will pursue further studies, attend workshops or seminars, or complete additional courses related to diabetes care and management.

It is also recommended that Diabetes Care and Education Specialists maintain their certification and regularly update their skills and knowledge to stay abreast of the latest best practices in diabetes care and management.

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Salary Expectations

A Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $81,622 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly depending on the individual’s level of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the organization they work for.

 

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist need?

A Diabetes Care and Education Specialist should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients.

They should have excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities to manage patient’s treatment plans.

In-depth knowledge of diabetes and its management, understanding of nutritional planning, and ability to provide appropriate physical activity guidance are also crucial.

 

Do Diabetes Care and Education Specialists need a degree?

Yes, a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in nursing, dietetics, or a related field.

Some professionals choose to pursue a master’s degree for more advanced roles.

Additionally, they should obtain the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential, which requires a healthcare professional license, professional practice experience, and passing an examination.

 

What should you look for in a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist resume?

Look for a valid healthcare professional license and a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential.

Ensure they have experience in patient care and diabetes management, and check for skills in patient counseling, nutritional planning, and managing diabetes education programs.

Additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree or specialized training in endocrinology, can be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?

A good Diabetes Care and Education Specialist should have strong empathy and patience as they work with patients dealing with a chronic disease.

They need to have strong communication skills to explain complex medical information in a way that patients can understand.

The ability to motivate and encourage patients to manage their diabetes effectively is crucial.

They should also be keen on staying updated with the latest research and advancements in diabetes care and management.

 

What are the daily duties of a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?

The daily duties of a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist involve assessing the needs of patients with diabetes, developing personalized care plans, educating patients about diabetes management, monitoring patient’s health progress, and making necessary changes to their care plans.

They might also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

They may conduct community outreach programs to increase awareness about diabetes and its management.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of being a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about medical knowledge.

It’s about shaping a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Diabetes Care and Education Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to creating meticulous job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of a larger health journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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