Nutritionist

Overview

WIC Nutritionist is responsible for conducting nutrition assessments, providing individual and family nutrition education, and developing personalized nutrition plans for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. This position ensures participants meet eligibility criteria and receive appropriate nutritional support according to federal, state, and local guidelines. Employees are responsible for providing individual and small group nutrition counseling for clients with uncomplicated or well-managed health issues. Clients with complex nutrition and/or medical problems are referred to other health professionals or a higher level Nutritionist.
Essential Functions
·         Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments to determine eligibility for the WIC program. This includes accurately documenting medical and dietary histories.
·         Collect and Analyze anthropometrics and biochemical measurements.
·         Provide individualized nutrition counseling to WIC clients, addressing concerns related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant feeding, and child nutrition.
·         Create personalized nutrition care plans based on individual needs, including food package recommendations and specific dietary goals.
·         Work with other healthcare professionals and community partners to coordinate comprehensive care for WIC clients.
·         Maintain accurate and detailed client interactions by completing documentation in a timely manner.
·         Respond in cases of urgent and/or emergent events that require public health interventions. Employees may be trained for and assigned duties unrelated to their regular work; work outside normal business hours and workdays and/or in a different work location may be required. Emergency events include, but are not limited to, communicable disease outbreaks, severe weather situations (e.g. snow or ice storms, tornados, hurricanes), natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes), fire, or power outages, and acts of terrorism

Minimum Qualifications
Experience:

See education

Education:

Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education- approved Didactic Program in

Dietetics; or Dietetic Technician, Registered with the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education

with a Bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an accredited four-year college or university; or a

Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Community Nutrition from an accredited

four-year college or university.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?:  N/A

Licenses and Certifications
·         Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license
·         Requires County Driving Privileges
·         Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
·         Nutrition principles and practices
·         Food safety principles and practices
·         Medical Terminology and documentation
·         General knowledge of behavior change theory and learning theory
·         General knowledge of maternal and child nutrition, and lactation

Skills
·         Skill in conducting a nutrition education or community needs assessment.
·         Fundamental knowledge of current principles and practices of public health, and program coordination.
·         Ability to interpret policy and protocols into operational procedures and work priorities.
·         Skill in organizing and coordinating the work of others.
·         Full range of skill in presenting ideas orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.

Abilities
·         Care Management: Having the knowledge and skills to conduct comprehensive nutrition assessment and identify key issues and relationships in the management of client care.
·         Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
·         Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
·         Client Relations: Meeting client and client’s family needs; taking responsibility for a client safety, satisfaction, and health outcomes; using appropriate interpersonal techniques to resolve difficult client situations and regain client confidence
·         Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Computer Skills
·         Proficient in using various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation and Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation, and sick days; near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.