PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION CONSULTANT

Public Health Nutrition Consultant - 64027725

This position has technical public health nutrition consultation responsibilities within the Nutrition Section of the Bureau of WIC Program Services. Performs on-site monitoring of local WIC agencies in the areas of nutrition risk assessment, certification, nutrition education, breastfeeding and efficient clinic operations. Prepares written reports and assists in the development and monitoring of corrective action plans to improve the quality of nutrition services. Develops the template and instructions for the local WIC agency Nutrition Program Plan. Collects, organizes, and maintains submitted plans and related documentation. Reviews each plan for completeness and accuracy, conducts follow-up with local agency staff as needed and monitors local agency objectives. Maintains information about staffing needs in the state. Assists local agencies in recruiting nutritionists and nutrition educators. Responds to inquiries about available public health nutrition positions. Provides technical assistance, training and guidance to local WIC agencies and other departmental staff, particularly in the WIC Program areas of nutrition education, certification, and food packages. Provides technical nutrition support to local nutritionists. Develops, revises, and/or reviews nutrition modules, nutrition education materials, and other related materials or forms developed or purchased by the State WIC office. Assists in the development and coordination of the nutrition education portion of the WIC Program and in the provision of public health nutrition services throughout the state. Assists in the development and review of policies and procedures for the Florida WIC Program. Prepares and compiles data for special reports and assignments. Writes and reviews reports, correspondence and other written materials as required. Participates on work teams or committees to review, analyze, or solve operational, programmatic or nutrition related issues. Participates in the quarterly Florida Dietetics and Nutrition Council meetings.

Knowledge of: the current science and practice of nutrition and dietetics and standards of practice in public health; the concepts and theories of nutrition and dietetics as they relate to growth, development, health and disease; nutrition and dietary assessment techniques; organization of health resources to maintain, protect, promote and improve the health of the community; cultural/ethnic eating behaviors of various Florida population groups and how it affects their nutritional status; human behavior and techniques for modifying it; available educational resources; recruitment sources for nutrition personnel; WIC regulations and policies. Skill in: the use of computers and standard software programs; public speaking and communicating nutrition and programmatic information at appropriate levels to different audiences; developing nutrition education materials for the general public. Ability to: write measurable health and nutrition-related standards and objectives; assess needs for continuing education of nutritionist and other public health personnel; train professionals/paraprofessionals in nutrition-related areas; develop nutrition training materials for professionals, paraprofessionals or clients; understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; think critically; compile, organize, analyze and evaluate data; organize data into logical format for presentations, reports, and documents; develop reports, manuals, policies and procedures; review data for accuracy and completeness; develop objectives, strategies, plans and effectively implement; review and evaluate plans, processes and programs to diagnose problems, identify improvements or adjustments needed to ensure program effectiveness and efficiency; implement corrective actions and evaluate the results; present negative findings in an effective manner; conduct basic research; utilize problem solving techniques; provide consultation and expert advice; plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate work assignments to ensure timely completion of quality, accurate work products; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with emphasis on communicating scientific information at levels of understanding appropriate to different audiences; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and work independently.

Qualifications: Florida licensure as a Dietitian/Nutritionist required. This position requires that the incumbent meets the requirements outlined in Chapter 468, Part X, Florida Statutes, or be eligible to practice dietetics in accordance with Chapter 64B8-40 to 45, Florida Administrative Code. A Master's degree in public health nutrition, dietetics, or nutrition preferred. Registration as a dietitian as defined by the Commission on Dietetic Registration preferred. Public Health and/or WIC experience at a local or state agency preferred. At least three (3) years of professional experience in public health nutrition preferred.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit