DIETITIAN (WIC Program)

Job Title

This employee develops and coordinates special public health and wellness programs within the Health Department. Employee coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public and provides nutrition counseling and education for clientele. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.) Knowledge of: Principles and practices of dietetics and nutrition. Basic principles of letter writing and report preparation. Principles and procedures of record keeping. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Food preparation, storage, and handling. Community resources related to nutrition and social services. Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a nutrition/dietetic program. Modern and complex principles and practices of nutrition and dietetics. Methods and techniques of public speaking. Interviewing and counseling techniques. Pertinent federal, state, and local health laws, codes, and regulations. Skill to: Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software. Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty. Ability to: Interpret and explain nutrition and dietary care policies and procedures. Counsel patients on a variety of health related issues. Provide responsible nutrition and dietetic health education. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Prepare clear and concise reports. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Required Education and Experience

Each applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in health, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Other requirements must have a valid Driver's License. Must have a valid State of Ohio Board of Dietitians License or be RD eligible and must have registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics by the date of hire. Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case by case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.

Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Office/clinic environment; exposure to computer screens; travel from site to site; working closely with others. Physical Conditions: Duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; light to moderate lifting Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.) Provides professional dietitian care including health education, counseling, and treatment; assesses and evaluates patient response; refers patients to Physicians as needed; screens clients for a variety of municipal health programs. Develops and maintains confidential health records with complete documentation for each patient; maintains a variety of logs and medical books relating to nutrition; prepares treatment reports as requested. Answers questions and provides medical and health education information to clients; schedules appointments; interprets and evaluates medical terminology and claims. Orders and maintains nutritional supplies as needed. Performs nutritional assessment of participants by assessing height/weight, hemoglobin, and diet history; includes performance of noninvasive finger stick of participants. Performs routine follow-up counseling on clients and identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements. Refers special needs patients to proper authorities for treatment. Develops program series to increase awareness and knowledge of personal health and well being; plans, prepares, and conducts nutrition education classes. Provides staff assistance to assigned supervisory staff; participates on a variety of committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary. Coordinates nutrition activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations. Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of nutrition science. Probationary Period Six months. Supervision Exercised Exercises technical and functional supervision over clerical and support staff.