Nutritional Educator #1656 - Bilingual - WIC - Health & Social Services Division

THIS IS A BILINGUAL POSITION. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, APPLICANTS MUST BE FLUENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

Under general supervision, certifies eligibility, provides nutritional education, completes care plan, provides breastfeeding promotion, provides nutrition counseling, and conducts community outreach to participants of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Community Nutrition Program with emphasis on good nutrition and healthy eating habits to improve or maintain overall health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Assesses the nutritional status and dietary practices of WIC participants. Adheres to WIC policy and procedure for assessing and documenting individual nutritional and health risks. Uses the electronic TNWIC system, and promotes maintenance and use of growth charts in electronic records.

Weigh and measure WIC program participants; check hemoglobin/hematocrit of WIC program participants at set intervals according to program guidelines; and assess adequacy of dietary intake according to WIC standard.

Develops an appropriate individualized nutrition care plan for both routine and high-risk participants that is clear and concise for each client to meet his or her needs and assists the client with choosing appropriate nutrition intervention based on findings. Determines participant eligibility for therapeutic products to comply with program guidelines; consults with healthcare providers to determine nutrition related needs of the client as necessary.

Prepares and presents nutrition lessons to program participants; conducts food demonstrations using WIC-adapted recipes; presents learning objectives and uses visual aids and group process techniques providing for a positive learning experience; evaluates presentations for efficacy. Conducts program promotion and community outreach as well as educational presentations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal, state and county laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines related to the provision of WIC services.

Knowledge of the nutritional needs of WIC participants.

Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.

Knowledge of intake assessment methods and procedures.

Knowledge of educational/instruction methods best suited to population served.

Skill assessing patients for nutritional eligibility.

Skill developing, implementing, and motivating patients regarding nutritional needs.

Skill instructing and educating low-income high-risk individuals on personal or family nutritional needs.

Skill accurately documenting and maintaining patient records.

Skill utilizing computerized database systems for tracking and record keeping,

Skill establishing rapport with low-income high-risk populations.

Skill establishing and maintaining effecting working relationships.

Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.

A Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and a valid driver’s license.

OR

A Bachelor’s Degree in a Nutrition related field with a minimum of six (6) semester-hours of coursework in nutrition, three (3) semester hours in human anatomy or physiology, and three (3) semester-hours in education, psychology, or counseling. A valid driver’s license is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level. 

This position is deemed essential during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head.

Some positions require additional training or certifications depending on assignment.

This position may require the applicant to pass an extensive criminal background check that includes fingerprinting. Extensive reference checks may also be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires a high volume of case load work and meeting stringent timelines. Work involves sitting and typing for extended periods of time. May deliver presentations for group classes. Work may involve working after regular business hours in high crime areas as outreach may be required. Work requires a minimum to moderate amount of physical effort and must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis depending on the activity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page. 

https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx

Salary : $45,342 - $56,678