WIC Nutritionist II

Under general supervision assesses, plans, implements and evaluates population-based nutrition programming with special emphasis on groups subject to risk.  Determines nutrition risks, prescribes appropriate supplemental foods, provides direct nutrition education, and develops individualized care plans for high-risk participants. Develops partnerships with other community and/or regional agencies to provide services. Certifies WIC participants for program eligibility and makes referrals to agency and community services. Additionally, the WIC Nutritionist II contributes to staff training, program planning, and evaluation initiatives. In the absence of the WIC Director, this role serves as the primary point of contact for the program unless otherwise designated.

Follows established defined procedures. Work is recurring and incumbents are required to select the guidelines and references that apply to the specific activity. New assignments are given with specific instructions and are not significantly different in nature or procedure from current and/or past assignments. Responsible for the quality and accuracy of his or her own work.  Work is performed independently under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
   2. Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.
   3. Serves as representative on various local and state committees.
2. Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
   1. Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job;
   2. Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;
   3. During an actual emergency, will be accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
3. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed make efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
4. Performs income determination with client, health screenings (height, weight, hemoglobin and nutrition questionnaires) and assessment of nutritional eligibility for participation in the WIC program.
   1. Inform clients of WIC eligible foods and shopping.  
   2. Issues WIC food packages.
   3. Informs clients of health services available through FCPH and refers to other health and social service programs.
   4. Maintains relationships with referral agencies.

 5.  Develops and executes client nutritional plans.

1. Based on risk assessment, develops individual nutrition plans with client centered goals; monitors and documents client’s progress toward those goals.

2. Provides culturally sensitive nutrition information, in person and on the phone.

3. Provides counseling for medically at-risk clients.

4. Using provider’s orders, procures specialty formulas and issues to clients.

5. Provides nutrition education classes

6. Participates in various state and local nutrition committees.

6.  Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients

  1. Provides individualized breastfeeding counseling; assesses eligibility for and issues breast pumps. 

  2. Coordinates support services with area lactation consultants and provide information on community programs.

7.  Maintains required WIC documentation including client notes.

  1. Prescribes appropriate supplemental food and issues benefits to clients

  2. Maintains documentation of education, services and referrals provided to clients.

  3. Provides client support services including answering the phone, scheduling clients, etc.

      8. Performs Other duties and activities assigned. See Special Assignment.

Special Assignment – Community Nutritionist II

 A special assignment in addition to previously listed (1-8) essential duties and responsibilities will be assigned and determined by the WIC Director.

Special Assignment 1

Serve as the local breastfeeding coordinator.

1. Coordinates breastfeeding education and programs for the WIC Program

2. Provides on-going support for breastfeeding clients including teaching classes.

3. Assesses individual client eligibility/need for a breast pump, provides instruction on use and issues pump.

4. Records and tracks usage of pumps.

5. Organizes, coordinates and facilitates support group for clients.

6. Advocates for and encourages breastfeeding in the community.

7.Provides education for Health Department staff on current breastfeeding issues.

8. Maintains current knowledge and maintains information on local resources in the community.

9. Attends coalition meetings and communicates with other health providers on breastfeeding issues.

10. Manages the electric pump lending program.

Special Assignment 2

Serves as the Outreach and Referral Coordinator

1. Conducts WIC marketing and outreach activities for the local agency service area.

2. Coordinates WIC services with other public health programs provided by Fargo Cass Public Health.

3. Provides technical assistance and consultation regarding nutrition services to internal agency staff.

4. Evaluates educational materials for accuracy and appropriateness before agency use.

5. Plans and executes strategic WIC Outreach Plans to boost program enrollment and maximize caseload capacity.

6. Represents the WIC program at health fairs, community events, and public presentations.

7. Partners and builds referral relationships with local physicians, hospitals, pediatric clinics, Head Start programs, food pantries, and social service agencies.

8. Serves as an agency representative on local and state committees relating to outreach and referrals.

Special Assignment 3  

Serve as the Vendor and Special Formula Coordinator

1. Serve as the Vendor and Special Formula Coordinator

1.   Coordinates all vendor activities for the Fargo WIC program service area--contracting, training, monitoring, etc. put in place by the State WIC Program.

2.   Serves as the primary liaison for local retail stores and keeps WIC staff informed of any vendor updates or changes.

3.   Investigate vendor or participant complaints.

4.   Manages the specialty formula process, including ordering from the distribution site, verifying deliveries, and coordinating client pick-ups.

5.   Reviews WIC Medical Documentation Forms regularly to verify compliance with state guidelines and we have current documentation on file.

6.   Informs WIC staff of updates or issues regarding formulas covered by the WIC program.

Special Assignment 4

1. Assists the WIC Director in coordinating the nutrition-related aspects of program planning and evaluation, such as the development of the annual local nutrition education plan; pertaining to your special assignment.  

2. As needed assists the WIC Director in development of the annual budget as related to provisions of nutrition services.

3. Determines financial eligibility, assesses nutritional risks and certifies WIC clients;

4. Performs income determination, health screenings and assessment of nutritional eligibility for participation in the WIC Program;

5. Informs clients of health services available at WIC agency and refers to other health and social service programs.

The job requires a bachelor’s degree in a Nutrition related field, and two years of experience as a Nutritionist I; or the equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Must be a Registered Dietitian.  Master’s degree in nutrition or public health preferred.  RD eligible considered with successful completion of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam within one year of employment. Specialized breastfeeding training either as a WIC Designated Breastfeeding Educator (DBE) or other breastfeeding credentials (i.e. CLC, CBS, IBCLC). Two years of experience as a Dietitian/Nutritionist or the equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.    
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• In depth knowledge of health care programs which meet requirements for registered dietician;
• In depth knowledge of nutrition theory and public health nutrition related to health and disease throughout the life cycle;
• Knowledge of community programs and resources;
• Knowledge of individual nutrition assessment, care planning, and patient motivation;
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor and clients;
• Skill in networking and forming effective collaborative relationships;
• Skill in written English sufficient and to use resources in carrying out assigned duties;
• Skill in using Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Publisher;
• Ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential information;
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively across cultural and socioeconomic levels.

Most work is performed in a normal office environment.  Work is generally light with considerable variety.  Daily work involves regular computer and phone use, moving between buildings and rooms.  Driving is required weekly.  Occasional overnight travel may be required.  Occasional light lifting up to 20 pounds.  
 
Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.  
 
Light Work:  Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
 
The job may require dealing with individuals who are emotionally charged.  There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases and environmental hazards.  
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.