Nutritionist Associate - VDHAY002

DHRM • Salem, VA

16h

About The Position

The Nutritionist Associate serves in the WIC Program at the Roanoke City/Alleghany Health District. The position independently determines applicants’ and clients’ nutrition eligibility within program guidelines, prescribes appropriate food packages, assesses nutritional status using the VENA nutrition assessment process, and sets dietary goals based on individual assessments. The role provides patient counseling tailored to nutritional needs and refers clients for high-risk counseling with a Nutritionist when appropriate.

The position provides nutrition education and support, assesses dietary and health information, determines nutritional risk, and supports participants’ continuation of nutrition plans. It also registers clinic applicants and clients, determines residential, categorical, and financial eligibility, documents enrollment information, and supports the day-to-day accessibility and administration of the program. The position may maintain and calibrate equipment and the lab environment.

This is a restricted position funded solely by the Federal WIC grant. Funding is reviewed annually, on an October 1 through September 30 cycle, and continued employment depends on funding availability. The role may require adjusting work hours, location, or duties and participating in training to meet public health needs, including emergencies. If designated a mobile worker, the employee may work in the field and telework from an alternate location, with periodic attendance at the assigned office for meetings or training. Other duties may be assigned, including assisting the agency or state government during an emergency declaration.

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 verbal and written communication skills for interacting with patients, peers, and supervisors.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a team member.
• Experience multitasking and prioritizing workloads.
• Computer system skills.
• Health-care personnel must provide documentation of immunization or evidence of immunity to hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; receive a one-time Tdap dose and boosters every 10 years; and receive the current year's seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Employment is contingent on satisfactory state and federal criminal history, child abuse and neglect registry, HHS OIG exclusion list, employment reference, and E-Verify checks.

Nice To Haves

• Training, job experience, or coursework in Nutrition, Dietetics, food services, or a related area.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Experience obtaining blood samples or finger sticks and taking individuals’ heights and weights.
• Competent Professional Authority (CPA) training completed within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Interview participants according to protocol and determine nutrition goals and eligibility requirements for WIC participation.
• Conduct diet and health assessments and determine nutritional risk required for certification.
• Provide nutrition education about identified nutritional or medical risks in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Provide individual or group follow-up education sessions.
• Encourage participants to continue their nutritional plans and provide nutrition education and support.
• Educate participants about WIC policies and procedures related to nutrition education, support, and equipment.
• Assist in providing equipment, supplies, and information to WIC nutrition participants.
• Assist with obtaining proper documentation for equipment loaned or issued by the WIC office.
• Register applicants and clients for clinic and determine residential, categorical, and financial eligibility.
• Review required program policies, procedures, and information with each applicant or client, verbally or in writing as specified by policy.
• Accurately document demographic, eligibility, and enrollment information in the appropriate system.
• May maintain and calibrate equipment and the lab environment.
• Work with teams to help ensure the program is accessible, customer-friendly, efficient, positive, and professionally and legally administered.
• May perform other duties as assigned and assist the agency or state government during an emergency declaration.
• May adjust work hours, location, or duties and participate in training to meet public health business needs, including emergencies.

Benefits

• $1,000 sign-on bonus.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plans, including a 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed