DaVita SNF Dialysis Lead Dietitian

DAVITA • Skokie, IL

4d • $68,000 - $100,000

About The Position

As a Registered Dietitian at DaVita, you’ll be a part of a Team that values work-life balance and where your personal and professional growth is a top priority.
Approximately 10% of all dialysis patients reside in a Skilled Nursing Facility and are transported to dialysis three times a week placing a significant burden on patients and adding avoidable costs to the health care system. DaVita Skilled Nursing Facility Dialysis teammates have access to all the capabilities and resources DaVita has to offer.
Role Title: Lead Dietitian – DaVita Skilled Nursing Facility Dialysis (DSD)
Scope: National DSD Modality
Focus: DSD Clinical Strategy, Operational Partnership, & Team Leadership
Time: 40 hours per week. Time is split 20 hours per week supporting facilities and 20 hours per week with leadership .

Requirements

• State licensure required
• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or similar area required
• Ability to work flexible schedules and travel when needed
• Registered Dietitian with at least 12 months clinical experience as required by CMS plus 12 months of specialized renal experience
• Intermediate computer skills and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook required as well as functional proficiency with DaVita specific applications within 60 days
• RD experience in DaVita required

Nice To Haves

• DSD experience preferred
• Previous Management experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Acts as the National Subject Matter Expert (SME) for DSD, defining clinical standards and driving quality outcomes across the modality.
• Define, maintain, and update the "DSD Dietitian Standard of Care" to ensure alignment with evolving CMS regulations, SNF operational realities, and DaVita clinical goals.
• Serve as the primary expert on the intersection of SNF and Dialysis (CMS) regulations. Provide guidance to RDs and Operations on survey risks, plans of correction, and documentation requirements unique to the dual-regulated environment.
• Oversee national DSD clinical performance (e.g., Fluid, Albumin, MI, MBD) and the Pharos / Outlier Management program.
• Analyze national data trends to identify systemic barriers and develop targeted interventions for underperforming facilities or divisions.
• Serve as the dedicated DSD representative in CWOW workgroups. Ensure clinical IT platforms and enhancements accurately reflect DSD workflows (e.g., SNF communication logs, mobile assessment tools).
• Partners with National and Regional Operations (RODs/ROMs) to solve DSD-specific labor and coverage challenges.
• Monitor DSD facility census trends to "right-size" dietitian coverage.
• Develop innovative staffing solutions for facilities and coordinating multi-state licensure for coverage, as needed.
• Lead the clinical integration for new DSD program startups and acquisitions. Partner with ROMs to ensure seamless onboarding of acquired teammates, rapid training on DaVita systems, and immediate regulatory compliance.
• Advise Operations on dietitian capacity and labor models specific to the high-acuity/low-census DSD model, ensuring alignment with the "DSD Dietitian Roles & Responsibilities" framework.
• Leads the national DSD dietitian community, fostering engagement, retention, and clinical excellence.
• Host and facilitate monthly DSD RD Support Calls to cascade national updates, provide continuing education, and foster peer-to-peer connection among isolated DSD RDs.
• Manage the DSD Preceptor Team, ensuring adequate ratio of preceptors to new hires.
• Oversee the development and execution of DSD-Specific New Hire Training modules (e.g., "Working with SNF Partners," "Binder/Bundle Management in SNFs").
• Serve as the escalation point for complex clinical or professional issues within the DSD RD cohort. Mentor Division Lead RDs (DLRDs) on DSD-specific nuances to support their local teams effectively.
• Creates the tools and resources necessary for DSD RDs to function effectively in a non-standard dialysis environment.
• Develop and maintain a library of DSD-specific resources, including: SNF Collaboration Tools (e.g., Communication Logs, Care Plan Meeting templates). DSD Policy & Procedure (P&P) updates. Best Practice Guidelines for high-acuity management (e.g., Tube Feeding protocols in SNFs).
• Review and approve field requests for patient education materials tailored to the SNF population. Develop educational resources for SNF Partners (Nursing Directors, SNF RDs) to explain the DaVita RD role and collaborative expectations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
• Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
• Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level