Yoeme Foodways Nutrition Specialist

The position of the Yoeme Foodways Nutritionist Specialist provides indigenous Yoeme and other nutrition services for Federal Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the Center for Employment Training Garden Club, and works under the purview of the Food Security System Program. The incumbent provides nutrition services to ensure that quality nutrition services are provided and to promote Yoeme traditional foodways. The following primary roles include FDPIR food demonstration and community training regarding how to prepare and consume healthy food.  

• Implement healthy Yoeme Foodways and general nutrition curriculum; 
• Provide healthy diet recipe demonstration to the community to recruit and retain FDPIR client household certification. Must be able to perform the duties of the Certified Competent Authority and to include: overseeing nutrition services performed by other staff through file reviews and observations; Conducting nutrition classes for the community at the Center for Employment Training.  
• The Nutritionist serves as a resource to staff for nutrition, education and breastfeeding information; Serves as a contact for community questions for menu preparation Conducts house to house outreach and recruitment demonstrations. 
• The Nutritionist is responsible for FDPIR menu development; develops a menu that follows the nutrition guidelines of the FDPIR grant. Responsible for reviewing and approval of all menus to comply with the contractor service requirement. 
• Develops nutrition materials such as: Program flyers, healthy recipes, and nutrition education material for the monthly distribution calendars. 
• Assist in training staff by monitoring staff during nutritional education client appointments and recommending any improvements as needed. 
• Develops and implements nutrition and breastfeeding goals and objectives. 
• Prescribe food packages to high-risk clients as appropriate.
• Effectively use data and reports to evaluate, manage and improve nutrition services. 
• Coordinates nutrition services with other internal operations and other external partners, including both public and private organizations. 
• Maintains confidentiality of client and vendor information. 

Knowledge of:

• Maintain principles and practices.
• Tribal culture customs or willingness to learn cultural values and beliefs of the population that affect nutrition status regarding Yoeme healthy foodways traditions. 
• Federal regulations, statue and nutrition programs. 
• Knowledge of health and social services programs in the community. 
• Excellent knowledge of infant formulas and their use. 
• Excellent knowledge of various diseases and how nutrition is impacted by these diseases to include dialysis diets. 
• Knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. 
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the authorized FDPIR foods and food packages.
• Demonstrate ability to develop, implement, and evaluate goals and objectives. 
• Knowledge of FDPIR certification and eligibility requirements, preferred or ability to learn. 
• Knowledge and skill in breastfeeding promotion, identification of problems, counseling of mothers and support of mothers, preferred or willingness to learn. 
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a team. 

Skills and Abilities:

• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Explorer and ability to learn other software applications including the FDPIR food ordering and reporting system.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data and reports. 
• Ability to maintain detailed records. 
• Ability to develop training curricula and conduct effective training sessions in coordination with FDPIR staff and CET staff.   
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and demonstrate ability to critically think. 
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to use Participant Centered Services skills such as rapport building, affirmations, open-ended questions, reflections and summarizing in counseling and use tools provided. 
• Ability to adapt to new situations, policies and procedures. 
• Strong ability to speak clearly, concisely, and effective one-on-one and in groups, to include coordinate meetings of a nature involving nutrition issues in the community with the Social Services Division Administrative Team. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent proficiency in nutrition, nutrition assessment, and counseling skills. 
• Collaborate and develop relationships and support an environment of change.

Associate Degree from an accredited institution in a related field OR a experience in a Tribal Health Program with at least two (2) years of experience pertaining to community health education; or any combination of education, training, or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.Special Requirements:

• Must have a Food Handlers Card or obtain a card within the first months of hire;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License;
• This position may require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
• 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 termination.