NUTRITION EDUCATOR

Nutrition Educator

Location of (1) position(s) to be filled: Department of Health, Coffee County

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, including 9 quarter hours or 6 semester hours in human nutrition, 4 quarter hours or 3 semester hours in human anatomy or physiology, and 4 quarter hours or 3 semester hours in education, psychology, or counseling. A transcript is required for proper evaluation.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Overview

The Nutrition Educator determines participant eligibility for the WIC program by assessing nutrition risks, conducting nutrition counseling, and assigning appropriate food packages. This role supports participants in achieving their health goals by providing education on nutrition, breastfeeding, and behavior change. Additionally, the classification involves monitoring progress, offering resources, and fostering cooperation with internal and external partners to ensure effective service delivery. This classification differs from that of a Nutritionist 1 in that the latter is eligible for the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam.

Responsibilities

1. Determines participant eligibility for the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program by assessing nutrition risk, analyzing anthropometric and hematological measurements, providing nutrition counseling, and assigning food packages. Documents information in participant's electronic record according to policies and guidelines.
2. Interprets and explains nutrition data and risk to participants to promote behavior change and complies with program guidelines.
3. Assesses client's readiness to change and assists with client-centered goals to promote behavior change.
4. Evaluates participant's progress on nutrition/breastfeeding goals at regular intervals through the certification period. Provides breastfeeding promotion and support as appropriate.
5. Monitors inventory resources related to feeding such as breastfeeding aids, breastfeeding equipment, and therapeutic formulas.
6. Maintains knowledge of community resources to provide referrals and resources to participants. Provides basic nutrition education to local health department staff, clients, and community organizations.

Competencies (KSA's)

1. Customer Focus
2. Decision Quality
3. Communicates Effectively
4. Collaborates
5. Instills Trust

Knowledges

1. Customer and Personal Service
2. Biology
3. Sociology and Anthropology
4. Psychology
5. English Language

Skills

1. Active Learning and Listening
2. Service Orientation
3. Time Management
4. Writing
5. Speaking

Abilities

1. Written Comprehension
2. Speech Clarity
3. Speech Recognition
4. Number Facility

Tools & Equipment

1. Computer
2. Desk Telephone
3. Cell Phone
4. Printer (Scanner/Copier/Fax)
5. Electronic Scale

TN Driver Standards

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application. Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.