Nutritionist #1655 - WIC - Health & Social Services Division

About the role

The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division responds quickly and efficiently to public health emergencies. All employees must ensure their contact information is current and be accessible during emergencies. The division maintains a call-down system to mobilize staff as needed. During a public health emergency, work hours may be modified to meet community needs.

Under general supervision, this role provides WIC services related to certification, nutrition education, risk assessment, and food package selection.

Responsibilities

• Provides nutrition counseling to clients/families at WIC certifications.
• Provides breastfeeding promotion and support, as appropriate.
• Prescribes appropriate WIC food package.
• Determines frequency of client follow-up nutrition education.
• Provides follow-up nutrition education to low-risk and high-risk clients/families.
• Authorizes special therapeutic formula issuance.
• Communicates and works closely with providers to ensure appropriate client referrals.
• Prepares nutrition education lesson plans for group classes, including supporting materials/aids.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Nutrition Services Plan.
• Assists in promoting the local WIC program to community organizations serving WIC families.
• Assists with new employee trainings and continuing education for nutrition education staff.
• Assists with chart monitoring and observation of nutrition education staff.
• Participates in local and state workgroups to improve nutrition and program services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to public health and nutritional counseling services.
• Knowledge of the population served.
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary guidelines and assessments.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Knowledge of educational/instructional methods and practices.
• Knowledge of WIC program regulations and guidelines.
• Skill in assessing patients for nutrition 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.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Master’s degree in Nutrition with at least one (1) year of direct work experience in the field of nutrition, or a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with at least two (2) years of direct work experience in the field of nutrition.
• Must be a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration with a current LDN license issued by the Tennessee Board of Dietitians and Nutritionist Examiners.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Requirements

• 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/situational during inclement weather and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires contact with high-risk populations in a public health setting, with possible exposure to infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and hepatitis while counseling patients.
• Work may be required outside of regular work hours.