OPS NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64949328

State of Florida • KISSIMMEE, FL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an internal agency opportunity for current Department of Health employees (OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS). The OPS Nutrition Educator is responsible for interviewing WIC clients to perform nutritional assessment screening, analyzing data to determine eligibility, developing nutritional care plans, prescribing food packages, and providing individual and group nutritional counseling and education. The role also involves assessing formula requests, communicating food packages, ensuring high-risk participants receive adequate contacts, promoting breastfeeding, and coordinating with supervisors on nutrition education components. Additionally, the position requires timely submission of reports, attendance at meetings and training, and adherence to information custodian responsibilities. In emergencies, the incumbent may be required to work outside normal hours and perform emergency duties.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current science and practice of nutrition and dietetics.
• Knowledge of concepts and theories of dietetics or nutrition as it relates to growth, health or disease.
• Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of nutritional and dietary assessment techniques.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to analyze and interpret anthropometric, biochemical, dietary and clinical data.
• Ability to use various communication channels to provide educational training.
• Ability to apply educational plans and supporting materials.
• Ability to identify needs and develop programs or projects to meet the needs of the community or patient group(s).
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skills in computer entry and basic programs.
• Proficient computer skills including by not limited to Microsoft Office, Outlook, HMS, FLWiSE, etc.
• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nutrition science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition or dietetics from a US accredited college or university
• Willing to rotate between different sites and work extended hours if needed when covering for staff on leave
• Required to perform emergency duties before, during and/or beyond normal business hours and/or day in the event of an emergency, disaster, or threat of disaster man-made or natural
• Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Requires daily in-office or field work
• Current Department of Health employee

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in Public Health/ Community Nutrition/WIC experience
• Knowledge in the principles of breastfeeding and/or skills in breastfeeding counseling

Responsibilities

• Responsible for interviewing WIC clients to perform nutritional assessment screening for low risk and high-risk clients.
• Analyzing medical and anthropometrical data to determine nutritional risk eligibility.
• Developing client nutritional care plans and at least one client centered goal for each contact.
• Prescribing food packages documented in the medical record.
• Monitoring accuracy of growth grids by lab clinic staff.
• Providing individual and group nutritional counseling, as well as education.
• Referring clients and families as needed to other health and social service agencies.
• Assessing and calculating exempt formula requests according to properly completed "Medical Documentation for Formula and Food Form", as determined by Physician/ARNP/Physician Assistant and within WIC Formulary Guidelines.
• Communicating appropriate food packages and document information appropriately on the Medical Documentation for Formula and Food Form in the FL-WiSE System.
• Ensure that each high-risk WIC participant receives at least three nutrition education contacts per certification period, with each contact occurring on separate days and that medically high-risk clients are referred to a Licensed Dietitian.
• Participating in health fairs and WIC outreach activities with community-based organizations in Osceola County aimed at increasing clinic caseload.
• Assessing, educating, and promoting positive breastfeeding practices to WIC participants and referring clients to Peer Counselors, CLC and IBCLC, as needed in accordance with WIC State standards.
• Coordinating with Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor and other WIC staff in the planning, developing, and evaluating of the nutrition education component (such as materials, exhibits, literature, etc.) of the Osceola County WIC Program.
• Completes timely submission of timesheets, EARs, travel records, and other work-related reports and assignments in a timely manner.
• Attends staff meetings and training as required.
• Performs other related work as required by the supervisor.
• Information Custodian responsibilities include maintaining information in accordance with state and federal statutes, rules, regulations and Department of Health Security Policy 3 and associated Protocols and Procedures as it relates to information Custodian, Delegation of Authority. This responsibility is to be adhered to 100% of the time.
• In the event of an emergency the Health Department is required to perform emergency functions, you may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.
• Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level