Long-Term Care Dietitian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing healthcare needs, the role of long-term care dietitians is more crucial than ever.

As health-related challenges continue to evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can plan, manage, and improve dietary and nutritional services within long-term care environments.

But what is really expected from a long-term care dietitian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the responsibilities of a long-term care dietitian,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable long-term care dietitian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Long-Term Care Dietitian Duties and Responsibilities

Long-Term Care Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the field of nutrition and dietetics, focusing on the nutritional needs of individuals in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living communities.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling to patients.
• Evaluating the dietary needs of a patient by assessing their health and exercise levels, sleep and food habits etc.
• Consulting with physicians and health care personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of patient or client.
• Advising patients and their families on nutritional principles, diet modifications, food selection and preparation.
• Monitoring food service operations to ensure conformance to nutritional, safety, sanitation and quality standards.
• Coordinating diet counseling services.
• Assisting in the design and implementation of resident food service programs.
• Documenting all patient information including service plans, treatment plans, nutritional information, and progress notes.
• Working with the entire health care team to ensure the resident’s overall care and well-being.
• Staying abreast of the latest findings in the nutritional field, participating in continuing education programs and sharing knowledge with the team.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Long-Term Care Dietitian to join our healthcare team.

The role involves creating and implementing nutritional plans for our long-term care residents to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Long-Term Care Dietitian responsibilities include conducting nutritional assessments, creating personalized meal plans, and working with healthcare teams to manage patients’ dietary needs.

Our ideal candidate has experience in geriatric nutrition and understands the unique dietary needs and challenges of long-term care residents.

The goal is to promote health and wellbeing by creating diet plans that enhance our residents’ lives and improve their conditions.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular dietary assessments of residents
• Create individualized meal plans based on medical history and nutritional needs
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to manage patients’ dietary needs
• Monitor residents’ progress and adjust their meal plans as needed
• Provide dietary education and counseling to residents and their families
• Ensure compliance with dietary guidelines and regulations
• Stay up-to-date with latest nutritional science research
• Evaluate meal preparation and food service to ensure they meet nutritional requirements
• Document and report on patients’ progress

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dietitian, preferably in a long-term care setting
• Experience in geriatric nutrition
• Excellent understanding of biochemistry and human physiology
• Proficient in dietary assessment software and tools
• Strong counseling and education skills
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary health team
• Valid license to practice as a dietitian
• BS degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or relevant field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-Term Care Dietitian
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility. Some weekend and holiday shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nutritional Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Long-Term Care Dietitian Do?

Long-Term Care Dietitians are specialized healthcare professionals who work in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities.

They assess the nutritional needs of residents, develop individualized meal plans, and monitor their nutritional status.

This includes creating special diets for those with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or food allergies.

Long-Term Care Dietitians also work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to manage the dietary aspects of patients’ care.

They help to optimize their health, manage symptoms, and prevent complications related to their health conditions or treatments.

Additionally, these dietitians often provide nutrition education to residents, their families, and staff members.

They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory compliance activities related to nutrition services.

In some settings, Long-Term Care Dietitians may supervise dietary staff and oversee food service operations, including menu planning, food purchasing, and meal preparation.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Long-Term Care Dietitian should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Nutrition expertise to assess patients’ nutritional needs, develop personalized nutrition plans, and provide diet counseling to patients and their families.
• Knowledge of food and catering management to ensure quality and nutritional standards are met in meal preparation.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with patients, their families and the multidisciplinary healthcare team, establishing trust and ensuring clear and effective communication about patients’ dietary needs and plans.
• Critical thinking skills to evaluate patient needs and adapt dietary plans as patients’ conditions change or advance.
• Communication skills to effectively educate patients, their families, and the healthcare team about the diet plan and its effect on the patient’s health.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address nutritional problems and adjust diet plans as needed.
• Understanding of medical and healthcare regulations to ensure all dietary plans and practices comply with applicable standards and regulations.
• Physical abilities that allow them to move around the facility and occasionally lift or move items such as food trays or dietary supplies.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Experience Requirements

A Long-Term Care Dietitian often begins their career with an accredited bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in clinical or long-term care settings.

This provides them with a foundational understanding of dietary requirements and patient care.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often work as Registered Dietitians, Clinical Dietitians, or in other healthcare settings.

These professionals gain invaluable experience in planning and implementing nutrition programs tailored to the individual needs of patients, particularly those needing long-term care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are often well-equipped to handle the complex nutritional needs of long-term patients.

They may have specialized knowledge in areas like geriatric nutrition, diabetes management, or renal nutrition.

At this stage, they may also have experience in a supervisory or managerial role and could be ready to lead a team of dietitians or nutritional staff within a long-term care facility.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Education and Training Requirements

Long-term care dietitians typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field.

This course of study will include subjects such as food and nutrition sciences, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.

Following the completion of their degree, they are required to complete an internship approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

This program provides hands-on experience in clinical, community, and food service management settings.

Many states require dietitians to be licensed, certified, or registered.

The criteria for obtaining this credential varies, but generally requires completion of a bachelor’s degree, an ACEND-approved internship, and passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.

Beyond basic qualifications, many long-term care dietitians pursue a master’s degree or advanced certifications in geriatric nutrition, clinical nutrition, or a related field.

This not only enhances their skills and knowledge but may also open up opportunities for career advancement.

Continuing education is important in this role, as dietitians must stay updated on the latest research and dietary guidelines, especially those related to aging and chronic diseases common in long-term care settings.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Long-Term Care Dietitian is $60,145 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ depending on factors such as years of experience, credentials, geographical location, and the specific long-term care facility where they are employed.

 

Long-Term Care Dietitian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Long-Term Care Dietitian need?

Long-Term Care Dietitians need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with their patients and to effectively impart dietary advice.

They should have a solid understanding of nutrition and dietetics, and the ability to create individualized dietary plans.

Analytical skills to interpret patient’s medical history and lab results are also crucial.

 

Do Long-Term Care Dietitians need a degree?

Yes, Long-Term Care Dietitians typically need a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

Additionally, most states require dietitians to be licensed.

To achieve this, they must complete a supervised internship program and pass a national examination.

 

What should you look for in a Long-Term Care Dietitian resume?

A Long-Term Care Dietitian’s resume should demonstrate their education in dietetics or nutrition and any specializations relevant to the role.

Check for their licensure status and any additional certifications.

The resume should also highlight their experience in long-term care settings, their ability to create and implement dietary plans, and their patient communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Long-Term Care Dietitian?

A good Long-Term Care Dietitian should be patient, empathetic, and possess excellent listening skills to understand the needs and concerns of their patients.

They should have good organizational skills to manage multiple patients and dietary plans simultaneously.

They also need to stay updated on the latest research in nutrition and dietetics to provide the best care possible.

 

What are the challenges in hiring a Long-Term Care Dietitian?

Hiring a Long-Term Care Dietitian can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with the right combination of education, licensure, and experience.

Given that they will be working with long-term care patients, they also need to demonstrate empathy, patience, and excellent communication skills.

The demand for these professionals is high, which can make recruitment competitive.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a long-term care dietitian.

Surprise!

It’s not just about planning meals.

It’s about crafting the health and wellness journey of individuals, one balanced diet at a time.

With our comprehensive long-term care dietitian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at readiness?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to meticulously crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every balanced diet is a piece of a larger health puzzle.

Let’s craft that health journey. Together.

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