Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionist

Under general direction, to independently assess, plan, implement and evaluate programs and services in the field of public health and health promotion to meet the needs of the diverse population of Santa Clara County.

Typical Tasks

Conducts needs assessment, plans, promotes, implements and evaluates nutrition programs and projects for health and disease prevention for the diverse language and cultural needs of Santa Clara County; Provides expertise and advocacy for nutrition issues and programs to officials at the Federal, State and local level to use for policy development and program planning in order to improve public health in Santa Clara County; Develops and implements protocols for nutrition services for public health programs serving low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, children, adolescents, children with special needs, the HIV/AIDS population, and clients with other chronic conditions; Plans, coordinates and implements training, workshops, conferences and education opportunities for staff, health care providers and the community, focusing on health and nutrition issues; Provides consultation and technical expertise and serves as program liaison to community organizations and programs in the area of nutrition and health promotion; Designs, conducts and evaluates research relating to nutrition and health status, dietary practices, nutritional needs and food access of Santa Clara County residents; Reviews and evaluates current statistical, epidemiological, and demographic data and interprets its findings regarding applications to public health nutrition; Publishes in peer-reviewed publications, makes presentations and participates in poster sessions to report research findings at professional meetings; Evaluates, procures and develops nutrition and health education resources to meet the diverse cultural and language needs of Santa Clara County residents; Designs and participates in evaluation and quality assurance of public health programs and projects; Designs and participates in social marketing and community-wide promotional activities; Provides leadership and direction to local and State agencies, coalitions, task forces and advisory boards on public health issues; Pursues funding to support public health nutrition services and assists in program budget process; Prepares reports and maintains data sets to meet program and contract requirements; Designs, implements and oversees media campaigns and responds to media inquiries related to nutrition as a representative of Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (SCVH&HS); Provides case management, therapeutic and rehabilitation services to public health clients and program participants per protocols; Assists clients and families in improving access and linkages to health care, social and environmental services; Provides nutrition consultation and expertise in interdisciplinary Public Health team inspection of County correctional facilities; Designs and coordinates field work of university students and dietetic interns in public health nutrition; Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education and experience that directly demonstrates the possession and application of the knowledge and abilities listed below. A Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field AND two years of experience as a Nutritionist in a public or private health agency or as a Registered Dietitian at a hospital or clinic. One year of graduate study in Human Nutrition may be substituted for a year of the required experience OR possession of a Master's degree in Public Health, Nutrition or related field may be substituted for the two years of required experience. Certification as a Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association. Possession of a valid California driver's license required at time of appointment. Knowledge of: Community needs assessment and epidemiology; Core public health functions and essential services; Program planning and evaluation; Human nutrition and its relationship to health and disease prevention; Social, cultural and economic issues of the diverse population of Santa Clara County; Educational methods and counseling techniques as applied to public health; Applicable Federal, State and County regulations and mandates and ability to maintain compliance with diverse funding sources; Computer programs and/or software applications. Ability to: Perform a needs assessment and design, implement and evaluate nutrition programs/projects; Perform Medical Nutrition Therapy; Integrate the nutrition component into public health programs and services; Plan, coordinate and conduct community meetings and training; Plan, coordinate, conduct and evaluate in-service training and presentations for professional and paraprofessional staff; Coordinate with other Public Health Department team members in delivery of services; Pursue and identify funding sources and participate in development of grant proposals and budgets; Identify, review, develop and evaluate nutrition education resources; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Provide work direction to staff as required.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below. Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being. Health Flexible Spending Account The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA. Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000. Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support. Employee Wellness The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey. Education Reimbursement A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts. Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.