NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64067052

State of Florida • BRADENTON, FL

1d • $45,000 - $47,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee (DOH-Manatee) is a customer driven public health organization in continuous pursuit of performance excellence. This position may serve clients that speak languages other than English. It may require performance of interpreter duties if bilingual, or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan. Performs other duties as required, including performance of additional interpreter duties, consistent with skill level, and as needed. Maintains the confidentiality for information in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and DOH Information Security Policies, Protocols, and Procedures. The incumbent of this position will function as a Nutrition Educator in the main WIC office and may periodically be located at various other locations in the county as needed for the WIC Program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, certifying eligible clients into the WIC Program, handling customer issues and providing clients with nutritional counseling and appropriate health related information. Incumbent is responsible for making referrals to other programs, which may include breastfeeding and any other social service agencies, as needed. This individual will interact with the WIC Director, other WIC staff nutrition team members, and clerical staff.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, techniques, and practice of the science of nutrition, nutritional treatment techniques, chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, research methods, and other supporting nutrition sciences.
• Skilled in the theories and concepts of preventative health care in a community or public health setting and the principles of interviewing and counseling patients along with the principles and techniques of effective communication.
• Ability to coordinate participation in nutrition care plans, to perform nutritional assessments, to determine nutritional problems, to monitor the quantity and quality of nutritional care, and to work independently and with others.
• Ability to plan work priorities and evaluate work outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and to contribute to the organization and implementation of program activities.
• Skilled at independently handling the majority of customer problems and making decisions based on applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to analyze and interpret nutrition and other scientific related materials and to formulate and/or apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate activities in a multi-task work environment.
• Computer skills in Windows and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing effectively.
• Ability to use WIC Program related software and provide proof of successful completion of the WIC WiSE competency test, or new hires be able to pass this test within 60 days following date of hire. This information may be verified through the State WIC office, local agencies, or through competency testing at the time of the interview.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills may be required for interpreter duties.

Responsibilities

• Provides individual and group nutrition education and therapeutic counseling for WIC clients according to all local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Certifies clients for participation in the WIC Program in accordance with policies of the State of Florida WIC Program and regulations stated in DHM 150-24.
• Documents all nutrition education in the client’s electronic record, located in WIC WiSE program, and on EARs; using proper SOAP format.
• Provides nutrition programs through outreach efforts to health care professionals and members of the community.
• Ensures that clients get the recommended number of nutrition education contacts. Provides nutrition education on a group or individual basis in the areas of infant, childhood, prenatal and postnatal (including breastfeeding) nutrition to promote development and maintenance of good nutrition habits according to all local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Follows policies and procedures for collection, entry, and management of data as well as the operation of computer terminals and printers according to the WIC Manual and DHM 150-24.
• Selects, develops, and evaluates client educational materials. Coordinates nutrition education services for assigned clients and makes referrals for appropriate services.
• Assists the Public Health Nutrition Program Director in the completion of the monthly report and in the development of quality improvement (QI) tools and QI monitoring activities. Conducts outreach efforts.
• Accurately completes all forms such as timesheets, EARs, encounter documentation, leave and attendance records, mileage and other necessary items by the required deadlines. Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and other professional and staff development activities.
• Performs other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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