Nutritionist I

Nutritionist I

Hiring rate will be determined based on qualifications and internal equity. The Nutritionist I is responsible for providing basic nutrition services to clients eligible for the WIC Program. This responsibility includes assessing the nutritional needs of clients, and providing individual and group nutrition education based on assessed needs of clients and the program. The Nutritionist works basically with low-risk clients, but at times may also need to assess and provide nutrition education/information to high-risk clients. This employee is also responsible for making appropriate referrals to other division and department staff, community agencies and health care providers.

Examples of Duties

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assess the nutrition status of WIC Program applicants to determine eligibility using anthropometrics, biochemical, clinical, dietary and socioeconomic data.
• For WIC Program participants, assess data and instruct clients/caregivers on assessed nutritional/medical status and provide appropriate education materials as needed.
• Determine and document an appropriate care plan based on assessed needs and provide instruction/education.
• Provide both individual and group education to clients and staff on various topics in nutrition and related health-care concerns.
• Provide breastfeeding education to WIC participants according to program policy and procedures.
• Make needed referrals to breastfeeding peer counselors and/or staff breastfeeding educators.
• Accurately measure and weigh program applicants/participants.
• Maintain an accurate log of daily activities and services provided.

Employee is subject to be called upon anytime to help the agency respond to a public health emergency which may include, but is not limited to, outbreak investigations, staffing mass dispensing or immunization clinics, providing disaster relief, or other incidents (man-made or natural and intentional or non-intentional) as they arise, or any public health response requested by the Health Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education- approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or Dietetic Technician, Registered with the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education with a Bachelor's degree in any subject area from an accredited four-year college or university or a Bachelor's of Science degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Community Nutrition from an accredited four-year college or university. Administering the Class - Candidates should provide documentation of registration status from the Commission on Dietetic Registration; provide university or college transcripts or CADE verification statement. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited universities.

Applicants who have obtained their education outside of the U.S. and its territories must have their academic degrees validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at . College transcripts, relevant certifications/licensures and verification of equivalent degree, if applicable, may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Department of Public Health Human Resources, 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. If selected for the position, a formal transcript will be required within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles of normal and therapeutic nutrition.
• Considerable knowledge and skill in nutrition and dietary assessment techniques (anthropometrics, biochemical, clinical and dietary), and in interpretation of data.
• Knowledge on interrelationships between health and social service programs, and of appropriate community resources for referral of clients.
• Knowledge of human behavior and techniques for effecting behavior change.
• Skill in writing clear and concise entries in clients' electronic health/medical records, and the ability to interview and provide appropriate counseling.
• Ability to understand an individual's socio-economic status and lifestyles with respect for individual differences.
• Ability to monitor and maintain quality standards of nutrition care using current standards of practice.
• Ability to organize and manage time and resources.
• Ability to make accurate observations and report changes accurately, to remain calm and function appropriately and efficiently in emergency and stressful situations, to understand, interpret and relate oral and written instructions, and to be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain clinical records, and be able to compile reports.
• Ability to perform data entry and retrieval.

Must have or obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Background check and negative drug test are required.