Public Health Nutrition Associate

County of Santa Clara•Santa Clara, CA

About The Position

Under direction of management, the Public Health Nutrition Associate assists in planning and implementing a nutritional program in the Public Health Department. The role screens clients for nutritional needs, gathers and records relevant health and nutrition information, conducts assessments according to prescribed protocols, educates clients, and determines eligibility for program benefits. It also involves providing nutrition interventions and breastfeeding education and support, coordinating referrals, developing and delivering education sessions, maintaining program materials and supplies, and participating in departmental and community health activities.

Requirements

Sufficient training and education to acquire the required knowledge and abilities.
Normally, completion of two years of college-level education, including at least 12 hours of nutrition coursework, and two years of experience assisting in the planning and implementation of a public health nutritional program; one year of additional education may substitute for one year of experience; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field with no experience.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license upon appointment.
Knowledge of nutrition science and health, child development milestones, data collection, medical terminology, nutrition counseling and case-management education methods, nutrition-related anthropometric/biochemical/clinical parameters, protocols for anthropometric measurements, interviewing techniques, preventive health, basic computer skills, applicable federal and state nutrition-program regulations, public health programs and community resources, and breastfeeding promotion and support.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; assess client needs, develop plans with specific outcomes, and document them; follow anthropometric measurement protocols; interview clients in a public health setting; solve problems; collect and compile nutrition and health data; communicate effectively using verbal and nonverbal cues; apply contemporary nutrition and health knowledge; conduct group education and advise clients individually; interpret federal, state, and local regulations; and build working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, community agencies, and health professionals.

Responsibilities

Screen clients for nutritional needs and obtain relevant medical, dietary, socioeconomic, anthropometric, or laboratory information to determine program eligibility.
Record clients’ anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data in the computerized data tracking system.
Assist clients in completing nutrition screening tools and perform individual health and nutrition assessments under prescribed protocols.
Educate clients about identified nutrition-risk conditions and provide follow-up nutrition interventions under state and agency protocols.
Determine program-benefit eligibility, complete certification, and prescribe appropriate food instruments based on nutrition and health indicators.
Prioritize referrals from health providers, community agencies, and organizations, and schedule clients.
Plan, develop, and provide nutrition and health education sessions; translate program materials; and maintain an inventory of program materials.
Participate in departmental and community health and nutrition activities to promote the nutrition program.
Explain local, state, and federal policies and procedures to clients.
Refer clients and families to a public health nutritionist according to the triage matrix and help them access health services through referrals to public health nurses, other health professionals, and community agencies.
Provide breastfeeding education and support, maintain breastfeeding equipment and supplies, and demonstrate proper use of electric and manual breast pumps.
Collect and compile nutrition education survey data for the annual nutrition services plan.
Participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and in-service training.
Perform related duties as required.