WIC Nutritionist I

City of Fargo•Fargo, ND

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, establishes and executes individual nutrition plans for moderate and high risk WIC clients to ensure proper nutrition of program participants. Certifies WIC participants for program eligibility and makes referrals to agency and community services. Primary Responsibilities Follows established defined procedures. Work is reoccurring and incumbents are required to select the guidelines and references that apply to the specific activity. New assignments are given with specific instructions and are not significantly different in nature or procedure from current and/or past assignments. While the work may be performed independently and not in the presence of a supervisor, it is performed in a situation of close control in that duties are routine and deviations from established procedures requires the approval of a supervisor. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions. Frequently interacts with others in the public, the work unit, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective; Serves as representative on various local and state committees. Responds to Public Health Emergencies Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job Will fulfill roles within the Department’ Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff; During an actual emergency, will be accessible 24/7 with an established family Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner. Determines financial eligibility, assesses nutritional risks and certifies WIC clients Performs income determination with client, health screenings (height, weight, hemoglobin and nutrition questionnaires) and assessment of nutritional eligibility for participation in the WIC program. Informs client of WIC eligible foods and shopping, issues WIC food packages. Informs clients of health services available through FCPH and refers to other health and social service programs. Maintains relationships with referral agencies Develops and executes client nutritional plans Based on risk assessment, develops individual nutrition plans with client centered goals; monitors and documents client’s progress toward those goals Provides culturally sensitive nutrition information, in person and on the phone Provides counseling for medically at risk clients. Using provider’s orders, procures specialty formulas and issues to clients. Provides nutrition education classes Participates in various state and local nutrition committees. Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients Provides individualized breastfeeding counseling; assesses eligibility for and issues breast pumps. Coordinates support services with area lactation consultants and provides information on community programs. Maintains required WIC documentation including client notes Prescribes appropriate supplemental food and issues benefits to clients Maintains documentation of education, services and referrals provided to clients. Provides client support services including answering the phone, scheduling clients, etc. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Requirements

Registered Dietitian (RD) or Licensed Nutritionist (LN) certification.
Master’s Degree in nutrition and eligibility to successfully complete the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam within one year of employment to obtain Registered Dietitian certification
In depth knowledge of health care programs which meet requirements for registered dietitian
In depth knowledge of nutrition theory and public health nutrition related to health and disease throughout the life cycle
Knowledge of community programs and resources
Knowledge of individual nutrition assessment, care planning, and patient motivation
Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor and clients
Skill in networking and forming effective collaborative relationships
Skill in written English sufficient and to use resources in carrying out assigned duties
Skill in using Microsoft office applications such as Word and Publisher
Ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential information
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to work effectively across cultures and socio-economic levels; including working with interpreters, both in-person and on the phone.
Ability to remain calm in fast paced environment with multiple priorities
Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job

Responsibilities

Determines financial eligibility, assesses nutritional risks and certifies WIC clients
Performs income determination with client, health screenings (height, weight, hemoglobin and nutrition questionnaires) and assessment of nutritional eligibility for participation in the WIC program.
Informs client of WIC eligible foods and shopping, issues WIC food packages.
Informs clients of health services available through FCPH and refers to other health and social service programs.
Maintains relationships with referral agencies
Develops and executes client nutritional plans
Based on risk assessment, develops individual nutrition plans with client centered goals; monitors and documents client’s progress toward those goals
Provides culturally sensitive nutrition information, in person and on the phone
Provides counseling for medically at risk clients.
Using provider’s orders, procures specialty formulas and issues to clients.
Provides nutrition education classes
Participates in various state and local nutrition committees.
Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients
Provides individualized breastfeeding counseling; assesses eligibility for and issues breast pumps.
Coordinates support services with area lactation consultants and provides information on community programs.
Maintains required WIC documentation including client notes
Prescribes appropriate supplemental food and issues benefits to clients
Maintains documentation of education, services and referrals provided to clients.
Provides client support services including answering the phone, scheduling clients, etc.
Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices
Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss
Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work
When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
Serves as representative on various local and state committees.
Responds to Public Health Emergencies
Will fulfill roles within the Department’ Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff
During an actual emergency, will be accessible 24/7 with an established family