Nutritionist

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Clinical Services and Training, The Nutritionist serves as the primary nutrition expert for a diverse university community, delivering individualized nutrition counseling, and evidence-based group education. The incumbent will work at the intersection of clinical practice and campus wellness partnering with Dining Services, Athletics, and Residence Life to embed nutrition literacy across the Columbia community. The incumbent will collaborate with Teachers College Nutrition and Education departments for the purpose of developing collaborative programming.

This position offers meaningful clinical variety including supporting students managing a range of nutrition issues and exercises broad professional responsibility for nutrition practice at Columbia Health. The Nutritionist works collaboratively with one or more healthcare providers and operates in accordance with established patient-care policies and clinical procedures. Day-to-day practice reflects a high degree of professional autonomy balanced with accountability to Columbia Health's quality and compliance standards.

This is an essential onsite role. Limited hybrid flexibility may be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Responsibilities

Clinical Practice (90%)

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments and develop individualized care plans for students across a broad range of clinical presentations, including weight management, sports nutrition, hyperlipidemia, food allergies, and disordered eating.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, nutrition appointment schedules, and patient documentation in accordance with Columbia Health standards.
• Submit quality assurance reports monthly, including quarterly chart audits and one consulting chart audit annually.

Consultation and Education/Outreach (5%)

• Serve as the clinical nutrition consultant for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare staff, providing evidence-based guidance on nutrition-related issues.
• Partner with all divisions of Columbia Health to ensure seamless, integrated patient care.
• Engage with representatives from Teachers College Nutrition and Education departments to develop collaborative programming that enriches the academic and clinical experience.
• Collaborate with Dining Services and Athletic department staff on nutrition-related initiatives and programming.
• Actively supports and contributes to Quality Management and incorporates findings into practice.
• Actively participate in Columbia Health committees, staff meetings, and represent the Nutrition practice at university-wide committees as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development, periodic review, and revision of nutrition practice guidelines, patient-care policies, and clinical procedures.
• Design and deliver ongoing in-service training for healthcare providers, nutrition staff, and campus partners.
• Develop and implement targeted outreach programs for specialized university populations, including: Varsity athletes and coaching staff; Residence Hall communities; High-risk or underserved student groups.
• Create specialty educational materials and resources responsive to emerging student health needs and trends.
• Engage in periodic self-evaluation and peer review processes; incorporate findings to continuously improve clinical practice.

Performs other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Nutritional Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in nutrition services, preferably in an ambulatory, outpatient, or university health setting.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential in good standing with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Prior experience working with college-age or adolescent populations on issues such as eating disorders, weight management, food preoccupation, sports nutrition, and adolescent growth patterns.
• Familiarity with hyperlipidemia management and chronic disease nutrition counseling.
• In-depth knowledge of dietary allergies, food sensitivities, and common dietary restrictions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex nutritional information for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and facilitating health education programs or workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships across departments or disciplines.
• Experience with Point and Click or comparable EHR platforms