Overview

We invite you to join our professional team!

The Department of State Hospitals-Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California.

The Permanent/Full-Time Registered Dietitian will be directed by the Dietetics Assistant Director or designee in Nutrition Services at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

  • Nutrition Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation. Completes nutrition assessments utilizing the Nutrition Care Process for each assigned patient.
  • Attends and consults with members of the treatment and interdisciplinary team.
  • Initiates a more intensive MNT plan for patients identified at higher nutritional risk.
  • Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of nutrition interventions and outcomes.
  • Maintains current patient profile information on assigned patients.
  • Nutrition Therapy Plan Implementation. Implements nutrition interventions in collaboration with the treatment/interdisciplinary team.
  • Communicates to Nutrition Services staff and monitors the individualized patient meal/nourishment plans.
  • Provides consultation to unit staff and patients as problems or questions arise regarding MNT.
  • Participates in department meetings, professional practice groups and hospital committees.
  • Safety/Security/Infection Control/Emergency Response. Conducts self with professionalism and maintains requirements in safety, security, infection control, emergency response, and a non-hostile work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (Applicants with proof of eligibility to apply for registration will be admitted to the examination but must become registered to be eligible for appointment.)

SALARY: $6,489 – $8,610/Monthly 

Benefits of working for the Department of State Hospitals-Atascadero:
• Competitive salaries and many opportunities for advancement
• Generous pension-style CalPERS Safety retirement benefits
• 401k and 457b plans available through Savings Plus
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Team oriented, collegial working environment
• Vanpool/carpool incentives
• Hiring relocation incentives:
o Potential onsite housing for Permanent/Full-Time Staff
o Reimbursement for relocation expenses is available up to $10,000 pursuant to operational needs and fund availability.

HOW TO APPLY: You MUST apply on the official state jobs website: CALCAREERS.
1. Create an account on CalCareers
2. Take and pass the REQUIRED Registered Dietitian (Safety) eligibility exam
3. Apply for the Registered Dietitian (Safety) vacancy. Submit application with all required documents as stated on the CalCareers vacancy posting.

Please reach out to ASHRecruitment@dsh.ca.gov or (805) 468-3660 for the steps and links. We are happy to assist you with the application steps, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

About Department of State Hospitals-Atascadero

Located in Atascadero, California the coastal heartland known as San Luis Obispo County, which is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, The California Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a treatment facility that serves the entire state in a forensic setting.  The region encompasses a rapidly growing wine industry, agricultural lands, ranches, and a carefully preserved rural quality.  Opened in 1954, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero recognizes that mental health recovery is most effectively achieved in an environment that fosters creative problem-solving, innovation, and mutual respect within a dynamic therapeutic milieu. Treatment is designed collaboratively by a multi-disciplinary team.

DSH-Atascadero is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that supports our patients' treatment progress and potential reintegration into the community. Providing vocational training, educational courses such as GED preparation, substance abuse programs, and both group and individual therapy sessions. Additionally, offering opportunities for participation in art, sports, music, meditation, religious, and social activities.