Diabetes Care & Edu (Non-Certified) Specialist, Internal Medicine, Full Time, First Shift

The DCES collaborates with healthcare teams -including physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists-to educate patients on essential topics such as blood glucose monitoring, medication management, insulin administration (if within scope of licensure), nutrition, and lifestyle changes. The (non-certified) Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) provides diabetes education and management for patients in both ambulatory and inpatient settings, with a focus on developing individualized care plans to empower patients in their diabetes self-management.

The (non-certified) Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) provides diabetes education and management for patients in both ambulatory and inpatient settings, with a focus on developing individualized care plans to empower patients in their diabetes self-management. This role involves performing thorough assessments of each patient's understanding of diabetes, self-care skills, and any psychosocial factors that may affect their treatment. The DCES collaborates with healthcare teams -including physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists-to educate patients on essential topics such as blood glucose monitoring, medication management, insulin administration (if within scope of licensure), nutrition, and lifestyle changes. They track patient progress, adjust educational approaches as necessary, and provide follow-up to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, the DCES participates in multidisciplinary rounds, aids in discharge planning (inpatient), and equips patients with the resources they need for safe and effective home management of their condition.Education:

Minimum Required: Associate degree
Preferred: Bachelor's degree

License and Certifications:

• RN Track: Licensed Registered Nurse

• Dietician Track: Registered Dietitian

*Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) required within 2 years of hire.

Years of Experience:

Minimum Required: 0 - 6 Months equivalent experience
Preferred: 1 - 2 Years equivalent experience

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of Diabetes Management: Understanding of Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

• Patient Education and Counseling Skills: Experienced in teaching patients and caregivers about diabetes self-management including blood glucose monitoring, medication administration (especially insulin), dietary planning, and physical activity. Strong communication and motivational interviewing skills to encourage adherence to care plans.

• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Knowledge: Familiarity with nutrition principles specific to diabetes management, enabling education on carbohydrate counting, meal planning, and the impact of diet on blood glucose levels.

• Self-Management and Behavior Change Support: Ability to use behavior change models, goal-setting techniques, and counseling strategies to support patients in adopting and sustaining healthy behaviors.

• Clinical Assessment and Critical Thinking: Assessment skills to evaluate patients' diabetes knowledge, self-care abilities, and psychosocial factors affecting their health. Ability to analyze blood glucose trends and adjust care plans accordingly.

• Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Approach: Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare providers to create comprehensive and cohesive care plans.

• Knowledge of Diabetes Technology: Familiarity with diabetes-related technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and mobile health applications.

• Documentation and Record-Keeping Skills: Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) for documenting patient interactions, educational interventions, and outcomes in compliance with healthcare regulations and quality standards.\

Patient Population - (CLINICAL ONLY) 5%

Engages in population appropriate communication.

Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.

Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.

Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.

Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.

Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.

Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.

Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms. Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.

Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Provide comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support to Patients- 45%

Provide structured follow-up sessions with individuals who have completed DSM programs, addressing progress, challenges, and adjustments to their care plans.

Evaluate patient blood glucose logs and device downloads, identify patterns and explain to patient any changes to diabetes care plan per provider approval.

Respond to complex patient calls for diabetes self-management questions and concerns.

In depth understanding of diabetes medical devices (meters, continuous glucose monitors-CGM, insulin pumps) as Certified Pump/CGM Trainer.

Provides initial and ongoing training to patients on the use of currently available diabetes medical devices.

Able to download diabetes medical devices and create/print/save reports.

Evaluate diabetes medical device download data and make recommendations to adjust patient device settings per physician approval.

Perform additional duties as required to support the mission and goals of the DES team - 25%

Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to deliver a cohesive, patient-centered approach to DSM, ensuring all aspects of care are addressed

Engage with other healthcare professionals to strengthen the integrated approach to diabetes management, supporting a holistic view of patient needs.

Assist with collecting and evaluating center-specific outcomes to ensure quality and effectiveness of Diabetes Education Services (DES)

Contribute to DES marketing efforts through consistent communication and quality interactions with patients, physicians, and the care team, promoting program awareness

Crosstrain in additional specialty areas, broadening skills to support comprehensive diabetes care, including nutrition and exercise

Conduct all Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) activities in compliance with the requirements of American Diabetes Association in order maintain program accreditation. Including but not limited to:

Initial Assessment, Education, and Follow Up

Tracking and reporting outcomes according to department policy

Maintain specific knowledge and skills for the delivery of diabetes education and support- 10%

Participate in diabetes self-management training (DSM) programs for guiding patients to develop effective self-care routines and manage their diabetes independently.

Successful completion of initial and annual competencies for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

Understand and adhere to Scope of Practice, Standard of Practice, and Standards of Performance for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

Participates in program development, assists in duties associated with maintaining recognition/accreditation, and ensures current evidenced based practices.

Support planning and implementation of ongoing education for health professionals and public awareness programs- 10%

Fosters knowledge-sharing and improved community health outcomes.

Engage in community outreach through health fairs, educational programs, and committee involvement to enhance public understanding of diabetes management and DES services.

Other Duties As Assigned- 5%Patient Population - (CLINICAL ONLY) 5%

Engages in population appropriate communication.

Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.

Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.

Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.

Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.

Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.

Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.

Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms. Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.

Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Provide comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support to Patients- 45%

Provide structured follow-up sessions with individuals who have completed DSM programs, addressing progress, challenges, and adjustments to their care plans.

Evaluate patient blood glucose logs and device downloads, identify patterns and explain to patient any changes to diabetes care plan per provider approval.

Respond to complex patient calls for diabetes self-management questions and concerns.

In depth understanding of diabetes medical devices (meters, continuous glucose monitors-CGM, insulin pumps) as Certified Pump/CGM Trainer.

Provides initial and ongoing training to patients on the use of currently available diabetes medical devices.

Able to download diabetes medical devices and create/print/save reports.

Evaluate diabetes medical device download data and make recommendations to adjust patient device settings per physician approval.

Perform additional duties as required to support the mission and goals of the DES team - 25%

Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to deliver a cohesive, patient-centered approach to DSM, ensuring all aspects of care are addressed

Engage with other healthcare professionals to strengthen the integrated approach to diabetes management, supporting a holistic view of patient needs.

Assist with collecting and evaluating center-specific outcomes to ensure quality and effectiveness of Diabetes Education Services (DES)

Contribute to DES marketing efforts through consistent communication and quality interactions with patients, physicians, and the care team, promoting program awareness

Crosstrain in additional specialty areas, broadening skills to support comprehensive diabetes care, including nutrition and exercise

Conduct all Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) activities in compliance with the requirements of American Diabetes Association in order maintain program accreditation. Including but not limited to:

Initial Assessment, Education, and Follow Up

Tracking and reporting outcomes according to department policy

Maintain specific knowledge and skills for the delivery of diabetes education and support- 10%

Participate in diabetes self-management training (DSM) programs for guiding patients to develop effective self-care routines and manage their diabetes independently.

Successful completion of initial and annual competencies for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

Understand and adhere to Scope of Practice, Standard of Practice, and Standards of Performance for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

Participates in program development, assists in duties associated with maintaining recognition/accreditation, and ensures current evidenced based practices.

Support planning and implementation of ongoing education for health professionals and public awareness programs- 10%

Fosters knowledge-sharing and improved community health outcomes.

Engage in community outreach through health fairs, educational programs, and committee involvement to enhance public understanding of diabetes management and DES services.

Other Duties As Assigned- 5%