WIC Nutritionist

Nutrition Program Specialist

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.

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's 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…