NUTRITION EDUCATOR

Nutrition Educator - 64006297

This is a highly skilled professional position which requires an expert understanding of the Federal WIC & Nutrition Program and the use of the WIC FL-WiSE system with minimal supervision. Maintains current knowledge of the Federal WIC program regulations including WIC memos, WIC data system guide and the DOH manual 150-24. Having successfully completed the Nutrition Education Series of the Florid Nutrition Training Guide Modules, will provide quality nutrition care to WIC participants in compliance with the Federal Regulations. The incumbent is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork, in a diverse environment and as an employee of the Department of Health in Alachua County, represents the agency and its mission and values. Maintains courteous and cooperative relationship with staff and the public. Actively supports increasing monthly WIC participation rate through exceptional customer service, implementing strategies to increase service delivery, implementing, and supporting WIC and DOH policies and procedures. Functions as a Certified Professional Authority (CPA) in WIC clinics to counsel WIC clients, conducting nutrition assessments and accurately completing FL-WiSE screens, identifying nutrition risks and assigning appropriate food packages for clients and provides appropriate nutrition education. Provides client-centered counseling using Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) skills for the WIC program clients, conducts record reviews, documents in FL-WiSE using appropriate format, and composes Nutrition Care Plans for high and medically high-risk clients using established protocols. Established appropriate number of subsequent individual nutrition education contacts. Evaluates and revises nutrition care plan as needed. Provides appropriate health care and other referrals as part of WIC and nutrition service delivery. Attends in-service on the Nutrition Education Kit and provides interactive nutrition education contacts to low-risk participants. Inputs the nutrition service code in the data system. Maintains documentation of participant goal setting. Refers vendor questions to the vendor manager and client concerns to the supervisor. Assists with the training of new staff in the certification and counseling processes. Provide breastfeeding support to clients. Assists clerical staff, as needed. Disburses VOC/ID cards following standard procedure to eligible WIC participants. Records the necessary information on VOC/ID cards. Loads benefits into WIC EBT account for household. Appropriately documents all attempts and successful contacts with WIC clients. Reviews all data for accuracy and completeness. Obtains accurate data on height and weight measurements on participants. Performs hematocrit/hemoglobin testing and records results electronically. Responsible for biochemical procedures located in the WIC Procedure Manual DHM 150-24 regarding equipment, requirements, periodicity schedule and exceptions. Cleans equipment and area where blood work is done daily. Maintains "universal precautions" when completing HST duties. Follows established guidelines and standards for safety in handling equipment, biological specimens, and waste products to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens. Accurately completes the lab/anthropometrics screens in the electronic data system. Maintains and inventories all medical supplies. Utilize anthropometric observational tool to observe HSS/tech employees. Coordinate with other nutrition staff to ensure each HSS/tech is evaluated once per quarter. Collects data for the end-of-day and end-of-month reports as assigned and submits to the supervisor on a timely basis. Assists with inventories for WIC formula, equipment, and educational resources. Submits reports within the require timeframe. Assists with QI/QA activities to support the success of WIC, including completing monthly client high risk report, and other monthly comprehensive chart reviews for quality assurance. Assist nutrition supervisors with data collection for biannual nutrition plan and audit activities. Valid Driver's License required to drive county/state vehicles to assigned clinic daily. Follow all procedures listed in Vehicle Operation Policy (DOHP 250-12-18) -Accurately and completely fill out DH1345 for each trip -Responsible for fueling vehicles, maintaining vehicle cleanliness, etc - Report any maintenance issues for vehicles immediately to administration staff Responsible for securing the designated information sets for the purpose of protecting confidentiality, data integrity and appropriate access for all information both confidential and public record, which is stored in hard copy or electronic formats. Completes EARS and timesheets on a weekly basis and completes certification. Completes mandatory staff meetings, and trainings as designated by State, Federal, WIC, and local authority by deadline assigned Performs all other duties as required

Knowledge of the current science and practice of food and nutrition, dietetics or food service. Knowledge of normal nutrition principles and food needs throughout life cycle. Knowledge of meal planning, food budgeting and purchasing. Ability to provide nutrition education to others in groups or individual instruction. Ability to determine nutritional needs and develop nutrition education plans for individuals who are not at medical high nutritional risk. Ability to educate individuals and families about food and nutritional needs. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to maintain effective customer service skills in stressful situations. Ability to prioritize, organize, and schedule work assignments. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to lift 15-20 lbs

Minimum - WIC federal regulations (Part 246.2) require a Competent Professional Authority to have a bachelor's or master's degree in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Home Economics with emphasis in Nutrition. Valid Driver's License is required. Preferred - Experience instructing in nutrition, diet & food prep. Experience providing breastfeeding education & support.

DOH-Alachua located at 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville FL 32641-travel within 2 hours of CHD