Public Health Nutritionist

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

About The Position

The Public Health Nutritionist promotes community health and wellness within the Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care facility. The role assesses nutritional needs, develops and implements nutrition education programs, and advocates for policies that support healthy eating and disease prevention among tribal members. It reviews physicians’ diagnoses and designs and implements nutritional care plans using general dietetic standards and regulations. The position monitors and documents patient progress, consults with physicians as needed, educates and guides staff, patients, and families regarding diets and food plans, and advises food service operations to ensure menus comply with prescribed nutritional plans. The position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center. Tohono O’odham Nation is an Indian Preference Employer. Employees are expected to know existing Nation policies and refer to them when necessary. Depending on departmental needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O’odham and English. Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving record are required to determine suitability. The position may require a valid driver’s license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years; if required to operate program vehicles, the employee must meet the Nation’s insurance requirements for a driver’s permit.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in public health nutrition, community health education, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field from an accredited university.
Knowledge of Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Comprehensive understanding of nutrition science, dietary guidelines, and health promotion principles relevant to diverse populations, including tribal communities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to develop and deliver nutrition education programs and materials using culturally appropriate and linguistically relevant approaches.
Knowledge of public health principles, strategies, and interventions for addressing nutrition-related health disparities and chronic disease prevention.
Proficiency in assessing dietary intake, interpreting nutrition data, and providing evidence-based recommendations.
Familiarity with community assessment methods, program evaluation techniques, and public health nutrition data collection tools.
Commitment to cultural competence, equity, and social justice in promoting health and wellness among tribal populations.
Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and tribal organizations.
Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, implement, and evaluate multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, emerging health issues, and community needs.
A criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check are required upon recommendation for hire.
A 39-month driving record is required upon recommendation for hire.
A valid driver’s license may be required, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years; if required to operate program vehicles, the employee must meet the Nation’s insurance requirements for a driver’s permit.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with tribal populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments of community nutrition needs, dietary habits, and health disparities within the tribal population.
Develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition education programs and interventions for individuals, families, and community groups.
Collaborate with tribal leaders, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations to promote nutrition initiatives and address health inequities.
Provide individualized nutrition counseling and support to clients with specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, or wellness goals.
Advocate for policies and environmental changes that support access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and physical activity opportunities within the tribal community.
Participate in community outreach events, health fairs, and wellness programs to raise awareness of nutrition-related topics and resources.
Collect and analyze data on nutrition outcomes, program effectiveness, and community health indicators to inform program planning and decisions.
Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate nutrition resources, materials, and educational tools for tribal members of all ages.
Collaborate with public health professionals, including nurses, social workers, and community health workers, to address broader health issues affecting the tribal community.
Stay informed about advances in nutrition science, public health research, and evidence-based practices to inform program development and service delivery.
Review physicians’ diagnoses and design and implement nutritional care plans using general dietetic standards and regulations.
Monitor and document patient progress and consult with physicians as needed.
Educate and guide staff, patients, and families regarding diets and food plans.
Administer and advise food service operations to ensure menus comply with prescribed nutritional plans.