Nutrition Assistant - On-Call (Preferred Amharic, Arabic, Dari, or Haitian/Creole Language Skills)

Nutrition Assistant

This position is open until filled. For best consideration apply early (Initial review will take place on 04/27/2026 and every other week thereafter)

As an on-call employee you may work intermittently, less than 20 hours per week.

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on-call Nutrition Assistant helps families get enrolled in WIC. Nutrition Assistants receive significant training in WIC services. Topics include nutrition, breastfeeding, health screening and participant centered counseling. The Nutrition Assistant weighs and measures participants and does hemoglobin screenings. They complete a health history and review eating patterns. They discuss children's growth and development. They work with families to develop a health and nutrition plan and follow-up activities. In this role, you will facilitate group classes, help connect participants with programs and services in the community, and participate in community outreach activities. This position will serve WIC families from many different traditions, cultures and backgrounds.

As the Nutrition Assistant, you will:

• WIC Participant Certification: Weigh and measure and complete a small finger prick blood screening test for WIC participants. Complete health and diet screening and assessment; assess basic nutrition needs and provide appropriate nutrition focused counseling based on diet, health and lifestyle factors; determine risk factors; assign food benefits; and document all services provided in an electronic chart. This may also include reviewing income and other eligibility requirements. Provide program orientation, information, answer questions, review materials and resources as additional information to in-person or telephone/video conversations

• Nutrition Education: Provide appropriate nutrition focused counseling during individual appointments, classes and events based on Oregon State WIC and USDA guidelines and other approved sources; and facilitate group classes using approved lesson plans.

• Community Outreach and Referrals: Refer participants to community programs and services such as health, dental, food assistance, education, home visiting, mental health, early intervention, housing, domestic violence, and/ or parenting skills training or needs. May provide WIC outreach and services in the community.

• Breastfeeding Promotion, Education and Support: Promote breastfeeding as the usual and best way to feed babies; provide counseling at each prenatal WIC visit; teach group prenatal breastfeeding classes; provide basic breastfeeding information and support; issue breast pumps and provide pump education as appropriate and refer families who need additional support. Utilize technology tools to support clinic work including computer based texting, using spreadsheets, reports and other technology tools.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the County's attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

TO QUALIFY:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position
• Ability to obtain BLS/ CPR Certification within 60 days of hire
• Must pass a reference check.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Ability to speak, write and read fluently in English and one of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Haitian/Creole, Language testing is required.
• Previous experience working with WIC eligible families or programs such as OHP, SNAP, TANF
• Experience in providing nutrition education using motivational interviewing or participant centered skills

SCREENING AND EVALUATION:

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Background, reference, and education checks

Pay Equity: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Required: The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

• A completed online application.
• A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addressing why you are interested in the role and how you qualify for the position.

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/ skills and how it is related to those shown in the overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.

Please be mindful of checking your email inbox for messages from the Recruiter as you may be emailed requesting additional information. If a response is not received in a timely manner your application may not be considered.

Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime.

Type: Represented

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Schedule:On-Call, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Work Location: This position works onsite at the Northeast Health Center located at 5329 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 and across all WIC clinic sites.

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters:

Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request