Nutrition Assistant - On-Call (Preferred Amharic, Arabic, Dari, or Haitian/Creole Language Skills)

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This on-call position at the Multnomah County Health Department's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program helps families enroll in WIC. Nutrition Assistants receive significant training in WIC services, including nutrition, breastfeeding, health screening, and participant-centered counseling. The role involves weighing and measuring participants, performing hemoglobin screenings, completing health histories, reviewing eating patterns, discussing child growth and development, and working with families to create health and nutrition plans. Responsibilities also include facilitating group classes, connecting participants with community resources, and engaging in community outreach. The position serves a diverse population and requires cultural sensitivity. Technology tools are utilized for clinic work, including computer-based texting, spreadsheets, and reports.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade
One (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position
Ability to obtain BLS/ CPR Certification within 60 days of hire
Must pass a reference check.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak, write and read fluently in English and one of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Haitian/Creole (Language testing is required).
Previous experience working with WIC eligible families or programs such as OHP, SNAP, TANF
Experience in providing nutrition education using motivational interviewing or participant centered skills

Responsibilities

Weigh and measure WIC participants and complete a small finger prick blood screening test.
Complete health and diet screening and assessment; assess basic nutrition needs and provide appropriate nutrition-focused counseling based on diet, health and lifestyle factors; determine risk factors; assign food benefits; and document all services provided in an electronic chart.
Review income and other eligibility requirements.
Provide program orientation, information, answer questions, review materials and resources as additional information to in-person or telephone/video conversations.
Provide appropriate nutrition focused counseling during individual appointments, classes and events based on Oregon State WIC and USDA guidelines and other approved sources.
Facilitate group classes using approved lesson plans.
Refer participants to community programs and services such as health, dental, food assistance, education, home visiting, mental health, early intervention, housing, domestic violence, and/or parenting skills training or needs.
May provide WIC outreach and services in the community.
Promote breastfeeding as the usual and best way to feed babies; provide counseling at each prenatal WIC visit; teach group prenatal breastfeeding classes; provide basic breastfeeding information and support; issue breast pumps and provide pump education as appropriate and refer families who need additional support.
Utilize technology tools to support clinic work including computer based texting, using spreadsheets, reports and other technology tools.