Nutrition Educator

Community Action of Skagit County•Mount Vernon, WA

3d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Nutrition Educator provides nutrition and breastfeeding education, and conducts nutrition assessments for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program. The Educator will provide individualized client education, create plans of care, and provide referral for other services as appropriate. This will be a full time in-office position at 37.5 hours per week. Preference given to those bilingual in English/Spanish. Dual languages not required.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HSE minimum requirement required; Associate Degree in related field preferred.
Two-years of experience in WIC or other maternal/infant related field, with training in nutrition preferred, but not required.
Previous experience working with the public, interviewing, counseling and teaching preferred, but not required.
Or a combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work.
Must have a valid driver license and auto liability insurance, if personal vehicle is used for work-related travel.
Medical Assistant Phlebotomist Certificate (training provided).
WIC State Competent Professional Authority Recognition (training provided).
May require Food Handler Permit.
Proficient in operations for manual and auto scales, height/length boards, hematocrit/hemoglobin analyzers, and blood draw techniques.
Knowledge of basic cooking techniques required.
If not previously trained, must become proficient in motivational interviewing and client centered interaction techniques.
Interest in teaching nutrition, maternal/infant health and breastfeeding.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel and Outlook; WIC database system.
Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine) is needed.
Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational and experiential backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred; additional languages helpful.

Responsibilities

Become oriented to WIC program/procedures through staff observation/assisting, independent study classes and workshops.
Complete the state WIC Certifier training: Conduct client assessment interview for service eligibility. Determine client nutritional risk and needs. Provide nutritional and breastfeeding counseling individually and classroom setting. Develop individual plan for WIC services and basic information required: Refer client for health care and social services, as appropriate. Prescribe WIC foods and educate on food purchasing.
Maintain client record in WIC database system.
Coordinate communications with program staff, outside medical providers, DSHS, state WIC and various service organizations.
Identify, research, design, and produce educational materials and referral information.
May assist with WIC activities at satellite locations, community outreach, and local events.
May coordinate and present regularly scheduled cooking classes for client education.
May mentor other staff, volunteers, interns and nursing students.
Participate in agency meetings and trainings, WIC meetings/training, as required.
Other related duties as assigned by management.