We are actively seeking to create a diverse work environment because organizations are stronger with different perspectives and experiences. BCHD is committed to cultivating a workforce representative of the community which it serves. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. We encourage women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, multiple generations, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other non - merit characteristics. All employees and those contracted by BCHD are responsible for maintaining a work culture free from discrimination and harassment by treating others with kindness and respect.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Public Health Nutritionist/Navigator provides Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) nutrition counseling services and case management to individuals, families, communities, and population groups, directed toward the goals of prevention, assessment, risk reduction, and health status improvement. Nutritionist/Navigator activities include, but are not limited to, care plan development, health education and advocacy, and linking services to applicable community partners and agencies. Nutritionist/Navigators at the Boone County Health Department (BCHD) are required to carry out grant deliverables for applicable Maternal Child Health (MCH) grants. Nutritionist/Navigators are an integral and dynamic part of BCHD's team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision and/or as part of various workgroups and teams, the Nutritionist/Navigator performs the following essential functions within the framework of Boone County Health Department's provision of the core functions and essential services of
Public Health:
Day to
Day Responsibilities:
Responsible for all WIC clinic functions while ensuring all IDHS and
BCHD WIC
policies, procedures, and competencies are followed. Provides nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding counseling when applicable, to all eligible participants at certification and individual follow up WIC and Better Birth Outcomes (BBO) visits. Provides appropriate counseling and follow up to high risk/high priority clients as determined by WIC assessment and adheres to program standards of practice. Maintains legible and complete client IWIC records, documenting all client educational contacts and pertinent information according to agency standards. Schedules and coordinates individual nutrition education sessions. Maintains integrity of EBT card inventory, security, issuance and reconciliation. Accurately completes appropriate procedures to provide medically prescribed formulas. Obtains client anthropometric measurements as necessary, utilizing length/height boards, scales, head circumference tapes, and hemoglobin monitors. Responsible for applicable BBO functions and ensures all IDHS and
BCHD BBO
policies and competencies are followed. Coordinates education, referrals, care coordination, documentation, follow-up visits, and data entries for BBO. Adhere to all guidelines and contract deliverables with Centene regarding Healthworks of Illinois. Coordinates all administrative case review paperwork for DCFS case workers for wards of the state ages 0 to 6 living in Boone County, IL. Provides case management for all elevated blood lead levels including capillary blood draws, counseling, linking to care, coordination with Environment Center staff for home visits, and completion of all required documentation per policy. Provides DNA testing as ordered by the Boone County Court. Provides pregnancy testing and counseling per agency policy and state requirements. Communicates necessary staff and client issues to Coordinator and/or Supervisor. Participates in strategic planning goal groups and assists with implementation of quality improvement (QI) and performance management (PM) processes and/or techniques as needed. DCFS mandated reporter.
Other Duties Include:
Other duties as assigned not otherwise specified. Data Analysis and Assessment Skills Describe factors that affect the health of a community.
Policy Development and Program Planning Skills:
Engage in organizational strategic planning. Communication Skills Communicate with internal and external audiences. Health Equity Skills Apply principles of ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Engage in continuous self-reflection about one's biases. Recognize the diversity of individuals and populations. Community Partnership Skills Collaborate with community members and organizations. Public Health Sciences Skills Describe systems, policies, and events impacting public health. Management and Finance Skills Manage human resources. Engage in professional development. Engage individuals and teams to achieve program and organizational goals. Engage in performance management. Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills Manage organizational change. Advocate for public health.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Education, Licensure, Certifications, Experience:
Bachelors of Science in Dietetics/Food and Nutrition or equivalent (Home Economist) from an accredited college/university. Must meet Illinois Department of Human Services educational requirements for Nutritionist. Bilingual in Spanish and English required. Minimum of 1 year of related experience is preferred. Experience in a nonprofit, social service organization, or a Community Based Organization (CBO) is preferred. Must complete breastfeeding education training during first year of employment (upon successful completion of training, Nutritionist earns title of Breastfeeding Support Counselor). Valid Illinois driver's license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.
Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge of the core functions and essential services of Public Health. Knowledge of evidence-based counseling models. Ability to maintain confidentiality of individual and family information and adhere to strict requirements as outlined in the framework of the law. Demonstrated ability to work with persons from diverse backgrounds and personalities to establish successful professional working relationships. Must be able to utilize tact and diplomacy when interacting with individuals and groups. Knowledge of and ability to apply conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. Computer skills are a must. Ability to organize and manage webinars, Zoom/conference calls, and navigate federal and state grant portals. Proficiency in usage of social media outlets in a professional and productive manner. Maintain a professional image that appropriately reflects the mission of the program. Due to the need for all Health Department personnel to respond to Public Health emergencies, the employee must be assessed for his/her ability to meet the physical demands of performing the following activities: Must be able to be fitted and wear
NIOSH 95
mask.
Engage in the following movements:
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, writing, and repetitive motions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Hearing ability sufficient enough to communicate with others effectively in person and over the phone. Visual ability sufficient enough to read documents, screens, and to drive a car. If unable to demonstrate these abilities based upon a standardized, objective assessment performed by external occupational health professionals, all reasonable accommodations will be made, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable Federal and Illinois law.
WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Nutritionist/Navigator will work in a general office setting in health department facilities, as well as community sites in clients' homes and workplaces. Work performed in the community is sometimes subject to conditions that range from inclement weather to dangerous conditions such as snow/ice, cold, heat, noise (usually moderate), wetness/humidity, vibration, and poor illumination at the job site or while traveling. Travel to and from locations may subject worker to increased risk of driving hazards, and the employee may be required to travel to attend job-related conferences, training, or to other departments. Community locations may subject worker to communicable diseases, insects and other disease vectors, toxins, chemicals, and animals. The employee must be able to perform and complete duties under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties at once. The employee must follow all county and department policies, goals, and objectives. In all settings, employees in this classification may occasionally need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging, atypical, or hostile behaviors and/or communication.
EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Computer, fax, copier, personal or county vehicle, Mobile Unit, Public Health and medical equipment, and supplies related to duties. Must be comfortable using environmental and clinical testing supplies that include but are not limited to medical equipment and laboratory analysis tools.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Title of Immediate Supervisor:
Director of Operations Titles of any others this position reports to: None Titles of those who directly report to this position: This job is not supervisory in nature. May provide guidance and training to new staff and/or interns.
Pay:
$28.93 - $37.61 per hour Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
non-profit, social service organization, or community based: 1 year (Preferred)