Certified Diabetes Educator

The Registered Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is responsible for delivering high quality, evidence-based Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training (DSME/T) to individuals and groups. Services are provided in accordance with the Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice, and Standards of Professional Performance for Diabetes Educators (AADE, 2009), with a strong focus on empowering patients to effectively manage their diabetes through informed decision-making, behavior change, and active participation in their care.

This position plays a key role in the care of patients with all types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The ideal candidate will have completed Sweet Success training and certification and possess demonstrated experience in counseling and educating patients with GDM. Responsibilities include developing individualized care plans, providing nutritional counseling, collaborating with interdisciplinary providers, and guiding patients in self-care behaviors and problem-solving skills.

The Registered Dietitian/CDE also ensures compliance with national DSME/T standards and supports a patient-centered, culturally competent approach to diabetes education and chronic disease management.

• Collaboratively collects assessment data from DSME/T program participants, develops individualized educational goals and content plans, and actively integrates DSME/T into the overall patient care plan through coordination with providers, case managers, and the care team.
• Provides skill-based, collaborative educational interventions that emphasize active patient engagement and interactive learning methods.
• Provides medical nutrition therapy (MNT) tailored to individuals with diabetes, including carbohydrate counting, label reading, meal planning, and lifestyle modification strategies.
• Collaboratively develops an individualized follow-up plan with each program participant.
• Specializes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management, including instruction in blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration (if applicable), and nutritional strategies aligned with Sweet Success guidelines.
• Serves as a resource for staff and patients regarding current diabetes care guidelines, trends, and evidence-based practices.
• Leads or assists with community outreach and education initiatives, including classes, workshops, and support groups to promote diabetes awareness and prevention.
• Ensures patient education materials are culturally and linguistically appropriate, especially for underserved and rural populations.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of educational services provided by measuring the attainment of learning objectives.
• Conducts a follow-up assessment upon completion of DSME/T program services, using outcome measures.
• Documents assessment data, educational plan, educational services provided and evaluation results in each participant's educational records.
• Utilizes a collaborative team-based approach and communicates with staff and interdisciplinary team as needed.
• Identifies when a program participant’s needs are outside the scope of the instructor's practice and expertise, plus arranges for additional services to meet needs.
• Participates in the development of training materials.
• Contributes to and participates in continuous quality improvement efforts to evaluate the DSME/T program and identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Engages in self-assessment and peer review processes to support professional growth, identify improvement opportunities, and maintain quality education standards.
• Is knowledgeable in the use of PC and applications specific to the department. Demonstrates ability to use current EHR technology and information systems to enhance data collection and documentation.
• Attends mandatory staff meetings and other department or organizational meetings as directed.

• Displays sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, age, gender, and disabilities. Demonstrates emotional resilience and stability, adaptability, flexibility, and tolerance of ambiguity and anxiety.
• Commitment to personal excellence and ongoing professional…