Nutritional Educator #1656 - Bilingual - WIC - Health & Social Services Division

This is a bilingual position. Applicants must be fluent in both English and Spanish.

The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call-down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of a public health emergency. During such emergencies, all staff are required to respond, and work hours may be modified to meet community needs.

About the Role

Under general supervision, this role certifies eligibility, provides nutritional education, completes care plans, promotes breastfeeding, offers nutrition counseling, and conducts community outreach for participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Community Nutrition Program. The focus is on improving or maintaining overall health through good nutrition and healthy eating habits.

Responsibilities

• Assess the nutritional status and dietary practices of WIC participants.
• Adhere to WIC policy and procedure for assessing and documenting individual nutritional and health risks.
• Use the electronic TNWIC system and promote maintenance and use of growth charts in electronic records.
• Weigh and measure WIC program participants; check hemoglobin/hematocrit at set intervals according to program guidelines; assess adequacy of dietary intake.
• Develop individualized nutrition care plans for both routine and high-risk participants, assisting clients with appropriate nutrition interventions.
• Determine participant eligibility for therapeutic products in compliance with program guidelines; consult with healthcare providers as necessary.
• Prepare and present nutrition lessons to program participants; conduct food demonstrations using WIC-adapted recipes.
• Conduct program promotion, community outreach, and educational presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or a Bachelor’s Degree in a Nutrition-related field with a minimum of:
  • Six (6) semester-hours of coursework in nutrition.
  • Three (3) semester-hours in human anatomy or physiology.
  • Three (3) semester-hours in education, psychology, or counseling.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, completion of the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) is required.
• This position is deemed essential during inclement weather and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced.
• May require passing an extensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting, and extensive reference checks.

Skills

• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines related to WIC services.
• Knowledge of the nutritional needs of WIC participants.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Knowledge of intake assessment methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of educational/instruction methods best suited to the population served.
• Skill in assessing patients for nutritional eligibility.
• Skill in developing, implementing, and motivating patients regarding nutritional needs.
• Skill in instructing and educating low-income, high-risk individuals on personal or family nutritional needs.
• Skill in accurately documenting and maintaining patient records.
• Skill in utilizing computerized database systems for tracking and record-keeping.
• Skill in establishing rapport with low-income, high-risk populations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires a high volume of case load and meeting stringent timelines.
• Involves sitting and typing for extended periods.
• May deliver presentations for group classes.
• May involve working after regular business hours in high-crime areas for outreach.
• Requires a minimum to moderate amount of physical effort and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly.