Nutritionist II

City of Joplin, MO • Joplin, MO

47d • $23 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this role conducts nutrition assessments, assigns risk factors, and provides appropriate nutrition and breastfeeding education to all participants according to the State of Missouri Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program policies and procedures. The position may also perform additional duties such as Nutrition Coordinator, Skills Validator, or Breastfeeding Coordinator, as assigned. Successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including THC/marijuana) is required as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and practices of nutrition and food, particularly in relation to health and disease.
• Knowledge of current developments in public health nutrition and their application to the local nutrition program.
• Knowledge of benefits of breastfeeding and understanding of best practices to support the breastfeeding mother.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, stages of change, and basic counseling methods.
• Basic computer skills and literacy.
• Proficiency in Windows Explorer and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in obtaining accurate anthropometric and hematological measurements.
• Skill in developing and building rapport to build effective working relationships with WIC participants, team members, and other health and social services personnel.
• Skill in planning and organizing work assignments.
• Skill in providing client-oriented nutrition education and counseling.
• Skill in presenting ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written form.
• Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license.
• Must be a Licensed Dietitian in the State of Missouri prior to employment and maintain license throughout employment.
• Must complete the established minimum continuing education in nutrition and breastfeeding annually throughout employment as a condition of employment.
• Successful completion of state approved training must occur within timeframes designated by the State agency.

Nice To Haves

• Experience: Two years of professional WIC experience as a Registered or Licensed Dietitian with the State of Missouri.

Responsibilities

• Determines health and nutritional risk factors for certification and recertification for WIC program eligibility by performing dietary, biochemical, medical, and anthropometric assessments of individuals.
• Consults with physicians, participants, and appropriate WIC officials regarding special formula usage.
• Explains the certifying risk factors to participants.
• Coordinates all nutrition and breastfeeding services provided to participants.
• Provides participant-centered nutrition education and counseling for high-risk participants.
• Completes the high-risk care plan and documents the nutrition education contact.
• Provides breastfeeding education and support to participants.
• Completes a breastfeeding assessment when a participant requests formula supplementation.
• Approves limited formula if necessary and provides support to participants for developing successful milk supply.
• Recommends appropriate supplemental foods, exempt formulas and WIC eligible nutritionals in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Prescribes appropriate food packages.
• Determines participant cycle for follow up.
• Issues food benefits in accordance with State policy.
• Loads benefits and prints shopping lists.
• Schedules next appointment and checks WIC direct for successful completion.
• Refers participants to appropriate social, health and/or nutrition services available in the community.
• Participates in staff in-services and/or training sessions related to WIC policies/procedural changes.
• Provides consultation to medical professionals regarding participant nutritional needs.
• Provides one-on-one counseling with participants regarding health and nutritional needs.
• Reviews and discusses nutrition assessments with participants and their families.
• Reviews and approves lesson plans for all groups nutrition education including: breastfeeding promotion/education, substance abuse, and self-paced learning modules.
• Evaluates nutrition promotional materials for WIC use according to established criteria.
• Coordinates with other WIC staff to ensure all are aware and up to date of nutrition and breastfeeding information.
• Provides recommendations for improvement of nutrition education materials used in the WIC program.
• Develops, coordinates, and performs additional duties such as Nutrition Coordinator, Skills Validator, or Breastfeeding Coordinator, as assigned.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports, and data as required by law, City policy and procedure.

Benefits

• Successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including THC/marijuana) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

What This Job Offers

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