Community Nutrition Worker

Community Nutrition Worker assess program eligibility, determines risk, provides nutrition and breastfeeding education and counseling, and prescribes supplemental foods.

• Assigns appropriate food packages for clients.
• Ensures appropriate documentation is in place when issuing special formulas and foods.
• Records client complaints regarding vendors. 
• Takes height, weight and hemoglobin measures as needed and records information correctly.
• Assesses growth or weight gain during pregnancy accurately and explains to client so it is understandable.
• Assesses each client’s nutrition status and provides nutrition counseling that addresses the client’s needs using a participant-centered method.
• Assesses and documents client’s nutrition risks.
• Identifies the need for individual care plans and develops goals and ways to meet goals with clients using a participant-centered approach.
• Refers high risk clients to the Registered Dietitian.
• Promotes and supports breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding.
• Assesses breastfeeding status and identifies and provides counseling on basic breastfeeding problems within scope of practice.  Refers breastfeeding lead, RD, IBCLC or designated breastfeeding expert in the area when identified problem is beyond scope of practice.
• Assesses need for breast pump and issues pump as indicated.  Educates mother on use of pump and storage of breastmilk and follows-up with mother following issuance.
• Completes vendor site reviews according to ITCA policies and procedures.
• Documents assessment information, food package assignment, referrals, follow-up on referrals, nutrition counseling and other information for each client.
• Provides WIC nutrition classes and food preparation demonstrations to clients.
• Performs functions of clerk or certifier as needed.
• Maintains current knowledge on nutrition and breastfeeding by attending classes, conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Maintains confidentiality of client and vendor information.
• Refers clients to health and social services as needed and follows-up on referrals.
• Attends civil rights training annually.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Knowledge of:

• Excellent knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood.
• Knowledge of the authorized WIC foods and food packages Proficiency in nutrition assessment and counseling skills.
• Knowledge of WIC and other federal nutrition programs and Indian tribal governments.
• Knowledge of health and social services programs in the community.
• Knowledge of cultural values and beliefs of the population that affect nutrition status.
• Knowledge of common infant formulas and their use.
• Knowledge of common health conditions and how nutrition is impacted.
• Knowledge of WIC certification and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge and skill in breastfeeding promotion, identification of problems, counseling of mothers and support of mothers.
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• High proficiency and skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Explorer and ability to learn other software applications as needed.
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to use Participant-Centered Services Skills such as rapport building, affirmations, open-ended questions, reflections and summarizing in counseling and tools provided.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand, interpret and explain read growth grids and weight gain grids.
• Strong ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively one-on-one and in groups.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Demonstrated ability to develop goals and ways to meet goals with clients.
• Ability to maintain detailed records.
• Ability to conduct effective group discussions and classes.
• Ability to pay close attention to details.
• Demonstrated ability to critically think.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Required
High School Diploma or GED, plus three (3) years of experience in nutrition or health-related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
 
Preferred
Associate degree in nutrition, health education, or other health-related field preferred; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.


Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Dietetics or Public Health Nutrition; or a State or local medically trained health official with Dietetic Technician Registered 
 
Special Requirements:

• Completion of an ITCA competency-based training program within 30 days of hire
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience working with American Indian women, infants and children.
• Experience in the WIC Program.
• Experience and knowledge using a case management or database system.
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License;
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card or be able to obtain the Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card within ninety (90) days of hire.  Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in removal from this position.