NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64035259

State of Florida • LaBelle, FL

7d • $38,500 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nutrition Educator performs specialized work under the direction of the nutrition program director. The role is an in-office position at the Hendry County Health Department in LaBelle, Florida, and involves close interaction with other CHD personnel, a high degree of accuracy, and maintenance of confidentiality. Travel to work sites may be required. The employee follows federal, state, and local CHD policies and procedures and is subject to periodic tuberculosis screening.

The position provides nutrition services to WIC clients, including determining nutrition risk and eligibility, delivering individual and potentially group nutrition education, documenting services, identifying high-risk clients, preparing care plans, making referrals, and assigning appropriate food packages. It also supports breastfeeding promotion, performs client measurements and hematological testing, carries out clerical and administrative duties, and completes required reports, records, and other assigned projects.

The incumbent may be required to work before, during, or beyond normal work hours in response to a disaster or other emergency, including duties at special-needs or Red Cross shelters. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutritional science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• Knowledge of the WIC Procedure Manual, DHM 150-24.
• Knowledge of office principles, practices, and procedures; spelling, punctuation, grammar, and standard business formats.
• Knowledge of preventive health care theories and concepts, current nutrition science and practice, and prenatal, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, and children’s nutrition.
• Knowledge of breastfeeding benefits and ability to promote and educate clients about breastfeeding.
• Knowledge of data collection, records management, and planning principles and techniques.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and general office equipment.
• Ability to provide nutrition education to individuals and groups; assess nutritional status and develop basic nutrition plans; and teach or develop/select educational materials.
• Ability to train others and work effectively with a variety of people.
• Ability to follow office procedures, organize and maintain filing systems, handle telephone calls courteously, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize workload, prepare reports, maintain records, and review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision and follow instructions.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods; frequently use a telephone, computer, copier, and small hand tools; work with occasional loud noises and indoor temperature changes; and lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Current authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Subject to a security background check and/or drug screening, participation in direct deposit, and periodic tuberculosis screening.
• May be required to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours in an emergency or as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability may be useful because clients may speak only Spanish, Creole, or other languages; the position may involve interpreter duties or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan.

Responsibilities

• Determine WIC client nutrition risk eligibility in accordance with DHM 150-24.
• Provide individual nutrition education and adapt counseling to client needs using the VENA concept.
• Document services according to State WIC Office guidelines and complete required FL-WiSE data entry by the end of the day services are provided.
• Identify high-risk clients and complete individual high-risk care plans using the SOAP format.
• Refer medically high-risk clients to a Licensed Nutritionist and refer other clients to appropriate outside agencies as needed, documenting referrals.
• Assign appropriate food packages and, as needed, conduct group nutrition education classes.
• Promote, protect, and support breastfeeding and maintain a breastfeeding-friendly local site.
• Organize and maintain breastfeeding supplies, issue manual breast pumps under local agency guidelines, promote breastfeeding classes to prenatal clients, and refer clients to the breastfeeding team as needed.
• Perform anthropometric measurements and hematological testing for WIC clients in accordance with DHM 150-24.
• Determine client eligibility and provide interactive newsletter contacts.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and staff development activities.
• Complete leave, attendance, EARS, travel, and other required reports according to established procedures.
• Participate in end-of-month inventory and help organize and file staff training records.
• Assist with inputting the monthly appointment schedule as directed by the site supervisor.
• Provide professional and administrative support to the nutrition program director and complete assigned projects and reports on time.
• Perform other duties as required by the supervisor.
• Travel to sites as needed and perform emergency duties when required.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State group insurance options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level