Diabetes Education Specialist

Sacramento, CA, United States

Dignity Health Medical Foundation established in 1993 is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California Arizona and Nevada. Today Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive health care services to the many communities we serve. As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

Position Summary:

The Diabetes Education Specialist serves as an expert and resource for patients and health care providers in the area of diabetes self-management assessment, education, and follow up. Certification as a CDE/CDCES demonstrates specialized training beyond basic discipline preparation and mastery of a specific body of knowledge.

The position operates in the clinical setting and works directly with patients one on one, in a classroom setting, and over the telephone. The main goal for the Diabetes Education Specialist is to equip the patient with knowledge and tools needed to manage his or her disease and to work collaboratively with the entire health care team including primary care physician, specialists, educators, nurses, and others. The efforts of the individual in this position directly impacts the overall health of the patient, the health care resources consumed by the patient, and ultimate quality outcomes, while taking ownership and responsibility for the structure of the program and curriculum used. The individual in this role works collaboratively with other team members, leadership, physicians, case managers and care coordinators, and hospital services to assist in the development of an effective, patient-centered program that promotes optimal patient outcomes.

The Diabetes Education Specialists provide care in an accredited program and must ensure that all requirements for program accreditation are met at all times. Providing extraordinary customer service is critical to our success. We seek candidates who can demonstrate these skills and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and care to our clinicians and patients.

Responsibilities may include:

- Utilizes expertise and specialized training and skill in both diabetes care and health education to independently conduct a detailed interview and assessment for patients referred for diabetes services including information about the individual's relevant medical history, age, cultural influences, health beliefs and attitudes, knowledge regarding diabetes, current diabetes self-management skills and behaviors, readiness to learn, health literacy level, physical limitations, family support, and financial status.

- Utilizes expertise and specialized training and skill in both diabetes care and health education to independently facilitate small group education for Dignity Health Medical Foundation Diabetes Self-Management Education program following established curricula developed by the program Diabetes Education Specialists.

- Follows established protocols for mediation and insulin management working with Primary Care and Specialist physicians as needed.

- Conducts initial, ongoing, and emergent insulin instruction and education follow-up until the patient has mastered techniques.

- Generates referrals to other disciplines based on identified needs such as; Pharmacy for medication management, Podiatry, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Community Resources, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Primary Care Physician, Mercy Heart Smart and CHAMP programs.

- Provides blood glucose monitoring instructions one on one or in small groups until patient has mastered techniques including ensuring or providing equipment so that the patient can test blood sugars at home.

- Captures data in the course of patient interaction.

- Responsible for administrative functions to support the educational program including but not limited to: Curriculum development and on-going review, policy and procedure development and review and updating these materials as needed to keep up with professional evidence based care.

- Practices independently within scope of his/her license and/or CDE/CDCES credential. Exercises critical thinking and makes independent decisions regarding the patient's diabetes education plan of care. Adjusts the individualized education plan based on the patient's stated goals and assessed needs.

- Responsible for developing and delivering the staff training curriculum for Medical Assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses and Registered Nurses working in Primary Care departments and ensuring competency after training.

Minimum Qualifications:

- At least 2 years professional experience in a discipline that is CDE/CDCES or BC-ADM eligible ( RN, RD, PharmD, etc)

- Bachelor Degree or higher in a health care profession that is CDE/CDCES or BC-ADM eligible.

- Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Dietician (RD) in the state of California. Certified Diabetes Educator/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and/or Board Certified Advanced Diabetes Management achieved or in process and near completion.

- Knowledgeable in clinical disease processes and medical management.

- Effective oral and written communication skills.

- Experience and expertise in the use of computer systems including electronic medical records.

- Analytical and problem solving ability. Basic understanding of health insurance requirements and benefit structures including knowledge of diabetic coverage issues

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience delivering health education and support to patients with chronic disease preferred.

- Experience teaching health education classes preferred.

- Experience working as a CDE/CDCES preferred.

- CDE or BC-ADM certification

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