Nutrition Assistant

General Description

The Nutrition Assistant is a valuable member of our Nutrition Services team who under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator, facilitates client entry into the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), by collecting and documenting anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin testing, breastfeeding and health and nutrition information into computer system. Provides basic, low risk nutrition education and breastfeeding counseling and support. Works at other sites as required.

Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours per week

• This position will report to two locations: Waukegan (Belvidere Medical Building) and North Chicago (NCH)
• 8:30AM - 4:30PM - Monday (BMB), Tuesday (NCH), Wednesday (BMB), Friday (NCH)
• 11:00AM - 7:00PM - Thursday (BMB)

Essential Functions

• Determines WIC eligibility based upon dietary, anthropometric, clinical and health history data in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing to provide low risk nutrition counseling/breastfeeding support and follow up with WIC clients based on identified nutritional risk factors and individual needs.
• Electronically documents clinical information including nutrition care plans in clients’ I-WIC chart according to agency and state standards.
• Demonstrates age-specific competency in the provision of services to clients.
• Identifies high-risk clients and refers to Nutrition Coordinator or other appropriate credentialed professionals. Refers clients to Family Case Management and other nutrition/health/social services as appropriate. Promotes breastfeeding as the preferred infant feeding method to all WIC clients.
• Performs anthropometric measurements of height and weight, according to procedures.
• Performs laboratory duties (hemoglobin tests), according to Standing Orders for Capillary Hemoglobin.
• Accurately performs data entry of program-related data and information in the WIC MIS.
• Issues benefits to WIC EBT card according to established procedure.
• Prepares WIC ID cards for CPAs.
• Trains with bilingual staff to develop basic Spanish language skills and effectively communicate with bilingual clients.
• Participates in gathering and maintaining program statistics and completes required forms/reports (including timecard) in a timely manner to ensure accurate data collection.
• Maintains clerical and laboratory supplies at assigned workstation. Completes order form monthly to assure adequate inventory at workstation.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities to assess, monitor and improve clinic services.
• Assists in maintaining office/clinic security by locking up equipment, WIC EBT cards, Farmers’ Market coupons, breastfeeding supplies, and other supplies.
• Participates in annual WIC Garden/garden box season activities.
• Participates in mandatory in-services and drills, attends staff trainings and other continuing education to update skills, meet programmatic needs, and provide for individual career goals.
• Promotes WIC services through outreach activities both internally and in the community.
• Acts as an alternate for other sites as required.
• Performs duties in a prioritized organized and orderly manner to maximize clinic efficiency and productivity.
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of clinic and work area.
• Develops and maintains a basic knowledge of services available at LCHD.
• Has a basic awareness of the Chronic Care Model Processes to reduce health disparities within our communities.
• Demonstrates adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of individual Emergency Preparedness roles.
• Reports all unusual occurrences that may involve the safety and well-being of the clients and co-workers, directly to the Supervisor, Program/Clinic Coordinator; and/or Safety Officer.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Requires completion of Competency Based Training within the first 6 months of hire.
• Requires 1 year of work experience.
• Basic computer knowledge and data entry skills.
• Ability to work on weekends, holidays and overtime if necessary.
• Ability to maintain and keep records.
• Assist in bilingual translation as appropriate.
• Possess sufficient physical stamina to allow for lifting, pushing, and pulling of objects, regularly exerting up to 30 pounds.

Supplemental Information

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found athttps://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary gradesathttps://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.