Women Infant & Children (WIC) - Nutritionist I

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

17h

About The Position

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Under general supervision of the Manager – Nutrition Program – WIC, to complete nutrition consultations, teaching nutrition education classes, providing hands-on guidance and demonstrating cooking techniques, assess and interrupt anthropometrics for participants, sharing all data in a non-judgmental and professional manner. SUPERVISION EXERCISED This position exercises no supervision. IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Conduct nutritional assessments to evaluate developmental feeding appropriateness for infants, children, pregnant individuals, and breastfeeding participants. Counsel and educate patients on basic nutrition, meal planning, food purchasing, storage, and preparation to improve dietary habits and promote overall health. Screen program participants, assess nutritional needs, determine appropriate supplemental food packages, and provide individualized counseling with follow-up evaluations as necessary. Deliver individual and group education sessions on breastfeeding basics, general nutrition topics, and nutrition-related health concerns. Refer participants to medical, social, or emergency services within the public health district and community when needed. Attend community health fairs and special events to promote program awareness. Organize annual nutrition and breastfeeding health fairs. Conduct hands-on food demonstration classes to educate participants. Operates a City-owned, rental, or personal vehicle to travel to mandatory training, community outreach activities, and other work-related events as required. OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES Provide training to improve home safety and sanitation practices for individuals, families, and community groups. Provide services to program participants to assist them with parenting and family relations. Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Principles of human food and nutrition.
Child development, family relations, and management of home and family resources, including housing and household equipment.
Community health principles and practices.
Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) counseling techniques.
Awareness of community welfare resources.
Local and state WIC program policies.
Safe driving practices.
Proficiency in common office software.
Skill to: Operate scales and measurement board.
Operate audio-visual equipment including TV, projectors and VCR.
Operated office equipment including computers and various computer programs.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
Apply community health principles and nutritional knowledge in clinic, home, and community settings.
Make independent decisions within assigned responsibilities.
Build rapport and motivate clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Demonstrate tact, good judgment, and initiative in public service.
Maintain accurate inventories and records.
Interpret and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
Accurately assess nutritional needs, document information, and issue formula prescriptions.
Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external contacts.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
A minimum of one (1) of professional experience in the field of food and nutrition is required.
Bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition or a related field from an accredited college or university, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in nutrition is required.
A valid Texas Driver's License, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Bloodborne Pathogens training and HIPAA Compliance training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
First Aid/CPR certification and recertification are required following employment.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in child development, family relations, and consumer science education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct nutritional assessments to evaluate developmental feeding appropriateness for infants, children, pregnant individuals, and breastfeeding participants.
Counsel and educate patients on basic nutrition, meal planning, food purchasing, storage, and preparation to improve dietary habits and promote overall health.
Screen program participants, assess nutritional needs, determine appropriate supplemental food packages, and provide individualized counseling with follow-up evaluations as necessary.
Deliver individual and group education sessions on breastfeeding basics, general nutrition topics, and nutrition-related health concerns.
Refer participants to medical, social, or emergency services within the public health district and community when needed.
Attend community health fairs and special events to promote program awareness.
Organize annual nutrition and breastfeeding health fairs.
Conduct hands-on food demonstration classes to educate participants.
Operates a City-owned, rental, or personal vehicle to travel to mandatory training, community outreach activities, and other work-related events as required.
Provide training to improve home safety and sanitation practices for individuals, families, and community groups.
Provide services to program participants to assist them with parenting and family relations.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.