Public Health Nutritionist

Tohono O•Sells, AZ

About The Position

The Public Health Nutritionist promotes community health and wellness within Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care facilities. The role assesses nutritional needs, develops and implements nutrition education programs, and advocates for policies supporting healthy eating and disease prevention among tribal members. It also reviews physicians' diagnoses and designs and implements nutritional care plans under general dietetic standards and regulations; monitors and documents patient progress; consults with physicians; educates staff, patients, and families about diet and food plans; and advises food service operations to ensure menus comply with prescribed nutritional plans. The position may require temporary relocation to other Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center. Depending on department needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English. A criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving record are required upon recommendation for hire. The position may require a valid driver's license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the past three years; if driving program vehicles is required, the employee must meet tribal employer insurance requirements to obtain a driver's permit.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field from an accredited university.
At least two years of experience in public health nutrition, community health education, or a related field.
Comprehensive understanding of nutrition science, dietary guidelines, and health promotion principles relevant to diverse populations, including tribal communities.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging individuals, families, community leaders, and stakeholders 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 preventing chronic disease.
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 nutrition initiatives simultaneously.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, emerging health issues, and community needs.
Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Employees are expected to know existing Tohono O'odham Nation policies and refer to them when necessary.
Upon recommendation for hire, completion of a criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving record review is required.
The position may require a valid driver's license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the past three years; if required to operate program vehicles, the employee must meet tribal employer insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with tribal populations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess 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 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.
Participate in 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 planning and decision-making.
Develop and distribute culturally appropriate nutrition resources 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 current on nutrition science, public health research, and evidence-based practices to guide programs 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 advise staff, patients, and families regarding diet and food plans.
Administer and advise food service operations to ensure menus comply with prescribed nutritional plans.