Director of Dietary Quality

Job description: **Rocky Mountain Care is seeking Director of Dietary Quality**: Responsible for overseeing and improving the quality, compliance, and operational performance of dietary and nutrition services across multiple skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. This role ensures that all facilities meet federal, state, and local regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality, resident-centered nutrition care. Minimum requirements include one of the following: - Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) or equivalent - Associate’s or higher degree in food service management or in hospitality, if the course of study includes food service or restaurant management, from an accredited institution of higher learning is preferred. - More than 5 years of experience in the position of director of food and nutrition services or dietary manager in a nursing facility setting and has completed a course of study in food safety and management, by no later than October 1, 2023, that includes topics integral to managing dietary operations including, but not limited to, foodborne illness, sanitation procedures, and food purchasing/receiving. - Strong knowledge of CMS regulations (SNF) and ALF and survey processes **Skills and Competencies** - In-depth understanding of clinical nutrition and food service operations. - Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills. - Excellent organizational, auditing, and problem-solving abilities. - Effective communication and people skills. - Ability to travel frequently within the assigned region. **Work Environment and Requirements** - Frequent travel (50–75%) to facilities within the multi-state region. - Ability to work in kitchen and healthcare environments. - May require occasional off-hours or weekend work for surveys or urgent issues. **Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)** - Survey outcomes and deficiency reduction. - Resident satisfaction scores - Clinical nutrition outcomes (e.g., weight stability, malnutrition rates) - Food safety audit scores - Staff retention and training completion rates **Major Duties and Responsibilities** Assists the administrator and dietary manager in preparing a budget, purchasing food, supplies, food preparation, services, and storage. Routinely inspects facility kitchens for a clean, safe, and sanitary environment. Routinely inspects safe and timely meal preparation, including the provision of meals and/or supplements in accordance with residents’ needs, preferences, and care plan. Monitors regular and therapeutic diets, including texture of foods and liquids to meet the specialized needs of residents. May participate in interdisciplinary team meetings. May participate in QAPI activities when food and nutrition services are involved. **Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance** - Ensure all facilities comply with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., CMS, state health departments). - Conduct routine dietary audits, mock surveys, and sanitation inspections. - Develop and implement corrective action plans for identified deficiencies. - Stay current on regulatory updates and communicate changes to facility teams. **Clinical Nutrition Oversight** - Support Registered Dietitians and dietary teams in delivering appropriate medical nutrition therapy. - Review nutrition documentation, care plans, and risk assessments for accuracy and compliance. - Ensure adherence to therapeutic diets, texture modifications, and physician orders. - Monitor outcomes related to weight loss, malnutrition, hydration, and resident health indicators. **Food Service Operations** - Oversee menu planning to ensure nutritional adequacy, variety, and resident satisfaction. - Ensure proper food safety practices (HACCP), storage, preparation, and service standards. - Evaluate food quality, presentation, and dining experience across facilities. - Assist with vendor management, purchasing, and cost control initiatives. **Leadership and Staff Development** - Train and mentor Dietary Man…