Nutritionist Associate

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Newport News, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 32 local health districts. These entities work together to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease outbreaks in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, the Hampton, and Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) are two health districts serving the residents of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the Counties of James City, and Yorktown. The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are focused on four key pillars to create a sustainable and engaged workforce: 1. Workforce Development and Training 2. Culture and Climate 3. Community Engagement and Partnerships 4. Communication and Openness. Through these pillars, we aim to achieve our mission of becoming the healthiest districts in the state and better serve our communities. Apply and join the Virginia Department of Health's efforts to become the healthiest state in the nation. Are you passionate about supporting community health and empowering individuals to make positive nutrition choices? If so, then the Peninsula Health Department is searching for you to fill one of our three Nutritionist Associate positions! The WIC Nutritionist Associate will be the professional, yet friendly, and detail-oriented point of contact conducting Nutrition Assessments, determining nutrition eligibility, and prescribing food packages to individuals, and families, to promote a healthy community. The Nutritionist Associate is based out of Newport News, but may occasionally assist with coverage in the Williamsburg facility. The Nutritionist Associate independently determines nutrition eligibility of applicants/clients within program guidelines and independently prescribes appropriate food packages. Assesses nutritional status/eligibility for program services by Nutrition Assessment using VENA technique process/food frequency history, assessing growth patterns, weight patterns, biochemical values and medical history. Independently sets dietary goals based on the assessment. Provides patient counseling specific to the individual’s nutritional needs. Makes referrals for high-risk counseling with Nutritionist when appropriate. This is a restricted position funded solely through the WIC Grant for a one‑year period ending September 30. Funding availability is reviewed annually and periodically thereafter. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the ongoing availability of these funds.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of nutrition and nutritional standards
Ability to conduct interviews and collect information
Ability to interpret, document, calculate, and compile routine data
Experience providing patient education and/or communicating information to individuals
Good communication skills, verbally and in writing, to interact with a variety of patients, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work effectively individually and as a team member
Experience multi-tasking and prioritizing workloads
Skills using computer systems

Nice To Haves

Training, job experience, or coursework in Nutrition, Dietetics, food services, or a related area preferred
Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
Experience obtaining blood samples/finger sticks, and taking heights and weights of individuals

Responsibilities

Conducting Nutrition Assessments
Determining nutrition eligibility
Prescribing food packages to individuals, and families
Independently determines nutrition eligibility of applicants/clients within program guidelines
Independently prescribes appropriate food packages
Assesses nutritional status/eligibility for program services by Nutrition Assessment using VENA technique process/food frequency history, assessing growth patterns, weight patterns, biochemical values and medical history
Independently sets dietary goals based on the assessment
Provides patient counseling specific to the individual’s nutritional needs
Makes referrals for high-risk counseling with Nutritionist when appropriate