Mary's Center is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our organization and the communities we serve. We embrace diversity of experiences, ideas, and individuals, and seek to bring a diverse group of candidates to the table.

Important Note: Mary’s Center is mandating the COVID-19 vaccine booster for all staff.

Position Summary

The Perinatal Health & Nutrition Specialist will be responsible for initial screenings and comprehensive clinical health assessments and oversee the nutritional health aspect of the perinatal population defined as pregnant participants through six months postpartum as well as infants through three years of age. This position will provide individual/group patient education counseling in efforts to prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. The Nutrition and Health Specialist creates individualized care plans based on medical and health needs and supports the perinatal population in managing chronic conditions through changes in nutrition. This position will provide administrative and clinical support to the Director of Social Services along with other identified team members in the development and implementation of perinatal support services, complex care management, nutrition health, and comprehensive clinical care coordination.

This is a Part-Time role, 24h/week.

Reportability

This position will report directly to the Director of Social Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Health Services:

• Through both in person and telehealth appointments, conduct initial screens and comprehensive risk assessments on the perinatal participants referred to nutrition and health services.
• Focus on disease prevention and health promotion among the perinatal population, specializing in diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.
• Provide specialized individual and group health education on reproductive health, chronic diseases, and prevention/early detection topics to perinatal participants.
• With the support of the Perinatal Family Support Workers and Obstetric Care Coordinators, ensure perinatal participants schedule and attend required appointments and checkups to guarantee continuity of care.
• Assist the Director of Social Services in developing and enhancing population health management initiatives among the perinatal population by leading as an Advanced Qualified Practitioner (AQP) in championing healthy lifestyle changes to promote positive pregnancies and birth outcomes.
• Provide perinatal support, nutrition counseling, and clinical care coordination to lead and guide Perinatal Family Support Workers and Obstetric Care Coordinators’ interventions.
• Serve as a clinical liaison between Mary’s Center medical, dental and behavioral health departments with identifying and coordinating perinatal nutrition and health guidelines.

Nutrition:

• Connect with perinatal nutrition referrals timely to initiate services.
• Provide individual health and nutrition services to the perinatal population at risk of chronic conditions.
• Create weekly group activities with curriculum to promote healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes among the perinatal population.
• Develop comprehensive care plans for perinatal participants to manage their nutrition related health condition(s) and prevent exacerbation of disease.
• Coordinate nutritional care with other members of the health care team to ensure comprehensive medical, dental, perinatal mental health, and social services are provided.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition education programs to meet the needs of the perinatal population, including selection of appropriate materials, formats, and scheduling of sessions.
• Maintain evidence-based practices in maternal and child health and nutrition to ensure appropriate health intervention strategies are provided to perinatal participants.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Draft grant program and progress reports as required by Director of Social Services
• Enter encounter notes within 48hrs from date of service.
• Ensure all forms are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner with appropriate supporting documents.
• Upload all participants’ documents and completed forms into electronic health record.
• Assist in the outcomes and data management of perinatal nutrition and health services.
• Track and monitor all necessary referrals, paperwork, and outcome measures determined by the work plan.
• With Director of Social Services, achieve in completing program goals within expected timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities –

• Must be an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or a Registered Dietician (RD) and licensed to practice in Maryland. Master’s degree preferred.
• Specializes in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory diseases.
• Experience working with perinatal population and addressing complex care needs as related to prenatal and postpartum care.
• Must possess knowledge of community resources, local service agencies, or local, state, or federal programs/services that can address social drivers of health among the perinatal population.
• A working knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Continued professional development to remain current on evidenced-based practices among perinatal nutritional health.
• Abide by program implementation timelines and deadlines.

Language Requirement: Must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish as used by participants.

Physical Demands –Regularly required to sit; frequently required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

Work Environment – Mostly in a typical office or clinic setting with quiet to moderate noise level. Opportunity to work a hybrid schedule – remotely & onsite, as needed.

The Benefits:

• Health Insurance: medical, dental & vision – plus retirement options through 403(b) contribution and investment opportunities
• 25 days of paid leave annually (in addition to paid holidays), plus 5 educational days
• Tuition reimbursement of $2000/year towards education assistance and professional development
• Transportation subsidy via metro & bus
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)