PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITIONIST

Public Health Nutritionist - 64028876

This is a Career Service (CS) Public Health Nutritionist position working for the Lee County Health Department. This is specialized work responsible for advanced and complex professional public health and nutrition and dietetic work in the Florida Department of Health in Lee County under the direction of the Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor. It requires a high degree of accuracy, involves close interactions with other personnel of the CHD, and maintains confidentiality. Travel to all sites may be involved in the performance of duties. This position may serve clients who speak only Spanish, Creole, or other languages. It may require performance of interpreter duties, if bi-lingual, or implementation of the Department's Limited English Proficiency Plan.

NUTRITION RISK DETERMINATION AND DOCUMENTATION: Determines nutrition risk eligibility of clients in accordance with DHM 150-24. Correctly identify clients at medical and/or high nutrition risk by assessing anthropometric, hematological and nutrition data. Document all medical and high-risk care plans using the SOAP format in the FL-WiSE system in accordance with department policy. Completes FL-WiSE System data entry ensuring to complete all required screens before the end of the day services are provided.

NUTRITION EDUCATION: Provides comprehensive nutrition and breastfeeding assessment for low-risk, high-risk, and medically high-risk WIC clients. Provides nutrition counseling with SMART goal setting and follow-up with clients at future appointments. Provides individualized client centered nutrition and breastfeeding education in individual settings to promote good eating habits, physical development and good health as needed. Adapts nutrition education based on need of the client using the VENA concept. Conduct Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to clients as prescribed by the medical care provider. Communicate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.

FOOD PACKAGE ASSIGNMENTS: Assigns appropriate food package based on comprehensive assessment. Assesses formula needs and makes referrals for formula recommendations as appropriate. Assist clients in obtaining up to date and accurate prescriptions from providers. Follows procedures for receiving, issuing and reconciling special formula including direct distribution and EBT assigned formulas to ensure accurate formula inventory.

CLIENT REFERRALS: As necessary, refers client to appropriate outside agency, documenting referral. Assigns appropriate food packages. Completes FL-WiSE System data entry ensuring to complete all required screens before the end of the day services are provided.

BREASTFEEDING: Protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding; assures local site reflects a Breastfeeding Friendly atmosphere. Assists with organization and maintenance of breastfeeding supplies for site and issues manual breast pumps per Local Agency guidelines. Promotes breastfeeding classes with all prenatal clients. Refers clients to Breastfeeding team as needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE: Completes assigned administrative projects and reports in a timely fashion. Participates in Quality Assurance activities

OTHER: Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices & office procedures
• Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
• Knowledge of standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms
• Knowledge of theories & concepts of preventive health care, current science & practice of nutrition
• Knowledge of prenatal, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant and children nutrition
• Knowledge of breastfeeding benefits and ability to promote and educate on it
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection
• Knowledge of the principles & techniques of records management
• Knowledge of planning principles & techniques
• Skill in operating a personal computer
• Ability to provide nutrition education for individuals and groups
• Ability to assess nutritional status and develop basic nutrition plans
• Ability to teach and develop or select education materials
• Ability to operate general office equipment
• Ability to train others & deal effectively with a variety of people
• Ability to follow office procedures & practices
• Ability to organize & maintain filing systems
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner
• Ability to plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing
• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures
• Ability to prioritize individual workload, prepare reports & maintain records
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier, and small hand tools, i.e., stapler, scissors, etc.
• Ability to work with occasional loud noises
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Ability to work indoors with occasional temperature changes
• Ability to perform anthropometric and hematological measurements accurately
• Ability to lift & carry up to 50 pounds as needed

Minimum Qualifications: Licensed as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in accordance with Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, or be eligible to practice dietetics in accordance with Chapter 21M, Sections 48.001, 48.002, 48.003, Florida Administrative Code.