Lead Dietitian

Position Summary:

The Lead Registered Dietitian (Lead RD) serves as a clinical and operational leader within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, advancing the mission of delivering compassionate, evidence-based care through the Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Model.

In this role, the Lead RD not only provides high-quality dietary treatment-including assessments, groups, and therapeutic interventions-but also guides and elevates the entire dietary function of the program.

Through clinical supervision, collaboration, and mentorship, the Lead RD ensures patient safety, promotes excellence in care delivery, and fosters a cohesive, recovery-oriented environment.

By supporting Registered Dietitians, Diet Technicians, and regional partners, the Lead RD plays a critical role in strengthening clinical quality, team development, and the overall impact of treatment services.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Care & Patient Impact


* Champion individualized, patient-centered care by assessing weight, vitals, and labs, and developing and managing dietary plans that support each patient's unique needs, medical considerations, and recovery goals.


* Drive meaningful clinical progress by identifying weekly treatment goals and communicating effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, intentional care.


* Facilitate therapeutic growth and engagement by leading age-appropriate dietary groups and conducting structured dietary sessions that build insight, skills, and confidence in recovery.


* Support family involvement in recovery by co-facilitating family programming and dietary interventions in alignment with level-of-care expectations.


* Collaborate in whole-person care through ongoing communication with medical doctors and psychiatrists regarding any dietary-related clinical needs.

Family Engagement & Continuity of Care


* Foster connection and trust with families by remaining accessible and providing consistent communication, including weekly updates for parents of adolescent patients.


* Ensure seamless transitions across care by communicating with referral sources and outpatient providers at key points, including admission, midpoint, and discharge.

Program Operations & Food Service Excellence


* Promote excellence in dietary operations by partnering with facility leadership to oversee food inventory, procurement for cycle menus and individualized dietary needs, budget considerations, and adherence to kitchen safety and sanitation standards (per level of care requirements).

Team Leadership, Supervision & Collaboration


* Lead and inspire the dietary team by providing clinical supervision and support to Registered Dietitians, Diet Technicians, and regional RDs (where applicable), fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence.


* Strengthen the therapeutic environment by supporting milieu staff in their interactions with patients and families, reinforcing a compassionate a...