Nutritional Educator #1656 - WIC - Health & Social Services Division

Hamilton County•Chattanooga, TN

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nutritional Educator works under general supervision in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Community Nutrition Program. The position certifies participant eligibility, provides nutritional education and counseling, completes care plans, promotes breastfeeding, and conducts community outreach. The goal is to support good nutrition and healthy eating habits to improve or maintain participants’ overall health. The role assesses nutritional status and dietary practices, documents health and nutrition risks, develops individualized care plans, and determines eligibility for therapeutic products. It also prepares and delivers nutrition lessons and food demonstrations, and conducts program promotion and community education. The posting is for two vacancies. Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees must keep their contact information current and respond if mobilized during a public health emergency. During an emergency, work hours may be modified to meet community needs. This position is considered essential during inclement weather and may require reporting to or remaining at work during administrative closings. All Hamilton County Government positions are in-person and require regular, punctual attendance. Work on holidays or weekends, irregular hours, shift work, or short-notice extensions of shifts may be required. Overtime may be offered but is not guaranteed. The position requires a high volume of casework and meeting stringent timelines. Work includes sitting and typing for extended periods, may include group presentations and outreach after regular business hours in high-crime areas, and requires a minimum to moderate level of physical effort, including regularly lifting up to 50 pounds depending on the activity. Depending on assignment, additional training or certifications may be required. The position may require an extensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting, and extensive reference checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and a valid driver’s license; OR a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-related field with at least six semester hours of nutrition coursework, three semester hours in human anatomy or physiology, and three semester hours in education, psychology, or counseling, plus a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines related to WIC services.
Knowledge of WIC participants’ nutritional needs, intake assessment methods and procedures, and educational methods suited to the population served.
Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
Skill in assessing patients for nutritional eligibility; developing and implementing nutrition interventions; and motivating patients regarding nutritional needs.
Skill in instructing and educating low-income, high-risk individuals about personal or family nutritional needs.
Skill in accurately documenting and maintaining patient records and using computerized database systems for tracking and recordkeeping.
Skill in establishing rapport with low-income, high-risk populations and maintaining effective working relationships.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or a department-provided Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) before operating a County-owned vehicle.
Must report to or remain at work during inclement-weather administrative closings when determined by the Department Head.
Must keep contact information current and respond if called to mobilize during a public health emergency.
Regular and punctual in-person attendance; may be required to work holidays, weekends, irregular hours, shifts, or extended hours on short notice.
Ability to sit and type for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds regularly, depending on activity.

Responsibilities

Assess WIC participants’ nutritional status and dietary practices.
Follow WIC policies and procedures for assessing and documenting individual nutrition and health risks.
Use the electronic TNWIC system and promote the maintenance and use of growth charts in electronic records.
Weigh and measure participants and check hemoglobin/hematocrit at intervals specified by program guidelines.
Assess dietary intake according to WIC standards.
Develop individualized nutrition care plans for routine and high-risk participants and assist clients in selecting appropriate nutrition interventions.
Determine eligibility for therapeutic products and consult with healthcare providers about clients’ nutrition-related needs as necessary.
Prepare and present nutrition lessons, conduct food demonstrations using WIC-adapted recipes, use visual aids and group-process techniques, and evaluate presentations for efficacy.
Conduct program promotion, community outreach, and educational presentations.
Perform other duties as assigned.