Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is seeking a dedicated part-time Certified Diabetes Educator. Responsible for providing sound diabetes care and education for this position will support patients in the Pediatric Endocrinology clinic and a variety of other patients and their support persons. In providing sound diabetes-related care, the CDCES assesses diabetes management needs; develops and implements diabetes care plans; evaluates and reports results appropriately; interprets, evaluates and utilizes pertinent and current research related to diabetes care; and coordinates activities according to department policies and procedures and the goals for the healthcare team. CDCES responsibilities include delivering comprehensive and seamless services that bridge the gap and integrate clinical and self-management aspects of diabetes care. The CDCES serves as an integral part of the interprofessional team and provides collaborative, comprehensive and person-centered care, as well as education conducive to behavior change and improved quality of life across the lifespan. The CDCES supports and advocates for the people affected by diabetes to optimize quality care. The CDECS promotes self-management to achieve individualized behavioral and treatment goals that reduce risks and optimize health outcomes.

This is a part-time 0.5 FTE position.  Only Registered Dietitian Certified Diabetes Educators to apply.

• Assessing Learning Needs of Patients / Families
  • Evaluates adequacy of self-management for meeting diabetes care guidelines
• Planning and Implementing the Educational Process
  • Develop individualized teaching plan with patients / families.
  • Schedule appropriate learning experiences.
  • Complete one-to-one sessions with patients / families in-person, via telephone, and via telehealth based on patient needs.
  • Communicate with patients/caregivers via telephone between scheduled encounters, as needed.
  • Conduct group classes as needed, if offered.
  • Discuss referrals that may benefit patients / families with the provider, as indicated.
  • Prescribes diabetic care recommendations that are age and disease-specific.
  • Provide feedback to patients / families regarding progress throughout the programs.
  • Communicate with multidisciplinary team in person and through the Electronic Medical Record.
• Evaluating the Outcomes
  • Evaluate patients / families progress frequently during the teaching process.
  • Obtain feedback from patients / families regarding comprehension of material.
  • Provide feedback to patients / families regarding progress throughout the programs.
  • Provide additional assistance and discuss referrals that may benefit patients / families with the provider, as indicated.
  • Submit proper documentation for billing.
  • Send relevant information to referring physician.
• Integrates skills and knowledge of pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical management, and self-management of diabetes into clinical practice.
• Completes comprehensive assessments for each patient including emotional and behavioral health,
• Interprets personal health data, including review of blood glucose logs, and develops an individualized care plan, including recommendations for changes to the insulin regimen/hypoglycemic medications, based on the patient’s assessed needs and goals and promotes successful self-management.
• Applies ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes) or other nationally recognized guidelines for self-care behaviors to educate on and initiate behavior change.
• Collaborates, coordinates, and confers with other members of the diabetes care team, including the patient and others supporting the patient, in developing person-centered diabetes plans and to establish and maintain on-going support options.
• Advocates for and supports technology-enabled diabetes education and care for individual diabetes services.
• Partners with individuals to deliver care and education conducive to behavior change and improved quality of life for self-management of diabetes across the lifespan.
• Provides quality diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy in individual and, if offered, group settings based on assessed needs. Utilizes appropriate teaching techniques that are sensitive to the learning preferences of the person with prediabetes or diabetes.
• Actively participates in the quality improvement process and adapts practice/process based on findings.
• Contributes to research and applies current research and evidence-based care to practice.
• Engages in lifelong learning and serves as a role model of professionalism.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Availability to work on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Nutrition and / or Dietetics.
• Certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) from the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) is required.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Licenses, registrations, and certifications required at time of hire: Obtain certification by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) when eligible.
• BLS preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to review and assimilate program education standards (nutrition).
• Working knowledge of diabetes technology.
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to work with a diverse patient population and have exceptional customer service skills.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.
• Knowledge and proficiency in word processing and file management using Word and other software as required by the department.
• Knowledge and proficiency in grammar and spelling skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing.
• Ability to meet assigned deadlines.
• Ability to interpret, comprehend and transmit complicated and detailed instructions accurately.
• Ability to operate automated standard office equipment such as multi-line phone system, transcription equipment, copier, fax machine, shredder, etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of workflow.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. Building upon a $100 million foundational gift in 2011, WMed is a recipient of the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and two Master of Science degree programs in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Engineering. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek. The Department of Pathology faculty serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with faculty and administrative offices, student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed is building upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace. 

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.