Nutritionist #1655 - WIC - Health & Social Services Division

Hamilton County•Chattanooga, TN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, provides WIC services related to certification, nutrition education, risk assessment, and food package selection. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to the provision of public health and nutritional counseling services.
Knowledge of population served.
Knowledge of nutrition and dietary guidelines and assessments.
Knowledge of computer hardware, software and peripherals.
Knowledge of educational/instructional methods and practices.
Knowledge of WIC program regulations and guidelines.
Skill assessing patients for nutrition eligibility.
Skill developing, implementing, and motivating patients regarding nutritional needs.
Skill instructing and educating low-income high-risk individuals on personal or family nutritional needs.
Skill accurately documenting and maintaining patient records.
Skill utilizing computerized database systems for tracking and record keeping.
Skill establishing rapport with low-income high-risk populations.
Skill establishing and maintaining effecting working relationships.
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.
A Master’s degree in Nutrition with at least one (1) year of direct work experience in the field of nutrition. Must be a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration with a current LDN license issued by the Tennessee Board of Dietitians and Nutritionist Examiners. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
OR A Bachelor’s degree in the field of nutrition with at least two (2) years of direct work experience in the field of nutrition. Must be a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration with a current LDN license issued by the Tennessee Board of Dietitians and Nutritionist Examiners. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.

Responsibilities

Provides nutrition counseling to clients/families at WIC certifications.
Provides breastfeeding promotion and support, as appropriate.
Prescribes appropriate WIC food package.
Determines frequency of client follow-up nutrition education.
Provides follow-up nutrition education to low risk and high-risk clients/families.
Authorizes special therapeutic formula issuance.
Communicates and works closely with providers to provide appropriate client referrals.
Prepares nutrition education lesson plans for group classes, as well as materials/aids to support the lesson.
Assists with the development, implementation and evaluation of the Nutrition Services Plan.
Assists in the promotion of the local WIC program to other community organizations serving WIC families.
Assists with new employee trainings and continuing education for nutrition education staff.
Assists with chart monitoring and observation of the nutrition education staff.
Participates in local and state workgroups to improve nutrition and program services.
Performs other related duties as assigned.