Nutrition Education Specialist I - CHS (Countywide)

Under direct supervision, determines program eligibility and delivers nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women and mothers of young children. Provides nutrition education based on a participant's risk and participant centered format. Uses federal nutrition guidelines and reliable resources to interpret and compare dietary practices of WIC participants. Selects food package that is tailored to participant's nutritional and preference needs and discusses the nutritional benefits of the foods outlined in the food package. Refers participants to other community programs or agencies. Collects and assesses health and dietary information. Identifies the normal nutrition needs and issues for pregnancy, lactation, the postpartum period, infancy, and early childhood and evaluates the impact of parent/feeding dynamics on nutritional status, growth, and development. Follows WIC Program Policy guidelines when enrolling or certifying a participant for eligibility into the WIC Program. This includes being familiar with and the usage of the participants' rules and responsibilities, participant categories, income requirements, and WIC food benefits. Documents nutrition assessment results, which includes referring high-risk client to the nutritionist/RD for counseling and follow-up. Documents nutrition education given participant's goals, follow-up, and referrals. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

A minimum of one (1) year of general office experience.

Additional Requirements :

Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license. Must possess a current fingerprint clearance card Issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Basic breastfeeding tactics and support methods. Proper nutrition for various age groups. Current health education and promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition. Clerical office practices and procedures. Research techniques and report writing. Current Microsoft Office software. Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public. Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

Understand and implement Participant Centered Education (PCE). Communicate the basic physiology of lactation by using evidence-based techniques for lactation management. Conduct and evaluate anthropometric and hematological measurements for nutritional risk. Enter and document appropriate participant information and to issue food instruments. Respond to community emergencies with a public health consequence according to YCCHS Emergency Response Plan. Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department. Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties. Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always. Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:

The work environment is associated with an office. The work area is adequately lighted, heated or cooled and ventilated.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effective in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Additional Job Information:

FLSA:

Non-Exempt Grade:

1

Classification:

Classified Safety Sensitive:

Yes