Nutrition Specialist I

This Classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

This recruitment will be limited to the first 25 applicants. The recruitment will close upon receiving 25 applications.

This recruitment is for Level I

The salary rage for level I is $1,723.20 - $2,308.80 biweekly ($21.54 - $28.86 per hour). 

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION
Under close or general supervision or direction, performs intake procedures, eligibility determinations, and establishes staff caseloads for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program; provides nutrition information, counseling, case management and breastfeeding support to program participants; performs a variety of duties including but not limited to: managing caseloads by completing phone, virtual or in person appointments, creating individual nutrition plans; tracking and monitoring of WIC services provided to participants as well as participant needs to ensure compliance with program guidelines and regulations; functions as an integral and supportive member of the assigned department; may also monitor email inboxes, reschedule appointments, or issue or receive breast pumps, and performs other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives close supervision (Nutrition Specialist I), general supervision (Nutrition Specialist II), or direction (Nutrition Specialist III) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Nutrition Specialist I: This is the entry-level classification in the Nutrition Specialist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties related to the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program while learning Butte County, Butte County Public Health and WIC operations, policies, rules, and regulations. 

Nutrition Specialist II: This is the journey-level classification in the Nutrition Specialist series. Positions at this level distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program.

Nutrition Specialist III: This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Nutrition Specialist series responsible for performing the more complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents are responsible for reviewing and designing procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy of processes in the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program and regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement.  Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties.  Assignments and projects are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services.   Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements. Exercises technical and functional direction and training to level I and level II staff.  

Positions in the Nutrition Specialist class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II- and III-levels may be filled by advancement from the I-level and II-level; progression to the II- and III-levels is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
 

• Interviews potential participants to determine WIC program eligibility based on state and local guidelines pertaining to nutrition assessment, income, residence status and medical information; explains financial and eligibility requirements of nutrition programs to applicants; screens for eligibility; certifies program participants; assists in completion of all documents/requirements to evaluate an applicant’s eligibility for the WIC program.
• Documents vital statistics such as height and weight, and other anthropometric data, monitors and follows participant due dates, and follows WIC reporting requirements and timelines.
• Performs specialized functions and tasks in support of the WIC program such as processing Farmers Market vouchers, distribution of WIC cards and food benefits, issuance of emergency or interim benefits, breast pumps and/or breastfeeding supplies.
• Assesses the nutrition adequacy of participants’ diets and notes high risk factors; refers possible high-risk participants to appropriate staff and resources.
• Issues and demonstrates breast pumps to program participants; cleans and sterilizes pumps following breast pump protocols and policies; and maintains breast pump loan forms, tracking, and informational materials.
• Maintains accurate case records of program participants; updates client files into an automated record system; processes participant forms and other paperwork; assists with troubleshooting and resolving system issues and inconsistencies in information as it relates to WIC automated data systems.
• Counsels program participants on nutrition-related topics such as food groups, serving sizes, food preparation and food allergies.
• Collects, documents, and evaluates individual clinical and dietary information to create plans, and sets nutritional goals according to established criteria.
• Gathers breastfeeding history information sufficient to identify mothers and families who would benefit from breastfeeding counseling and support services; counsels program participants on breastfeeding related topics; makes appropriate referrals to certified staff; demonstrates operation of breast pumps.  
• Performs various administrative support duties including scheduling, rescheduling, and reminding participants of appointments; prepares correspondence, enters and retrieves computer data, copies and files documents, answers the telephone, greets and assists office visitors, prints and restocks pamphlets, and orders supplies and maintains inventory records.
• Teaches assigned classes on topics such as prenatal care, breastfeeding, and child nutrition to public and participants.
• Receives and processes referrals from external agencies; also recognizes the need for providing referrals to other client services and/or community resources/agencies to assist applicants/participants in identifying and utilizing the resources available.
• Reviews and maintains resource information sheet for WIC families and researches agencies and assistance available to provide as a reference to program participants.
• Performs community outreach in support of the WIC program and its participants.
• Arranges for participant transportation and translation, as needed.
• Attends trainings, conferences, seminars, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills.
• Perform mathematical computations to verify data or initiate appropriate processes and referrals.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties Assigned to Level III:

• Provides consultation and lead direction to staff, reviews and assigns work, sets priorities and follows up to ensure completion of assignments within professional practices.
• Provides training and support to lower-level staff on work principles, practices, procedures as well as local and state WIC level policies, procedures and laws.
• Provides input into selection or hiring decisions, performance evaluations, disciplinary matters, and other personnel decisions.
• Manages high level participant needs or tracking, by documentation and communication of multi-user electronic breast pumps appointments, or issuance of emergency benefits. 
• Orders, tracks and maintains State WIC supplies and resources.
• May be responsible for WIC retailer communications, tracking, compliance and inspections.
• May be a lead staff assigned to participant or public events such as Farmers Markets, outreach events and/or educational presentations. 
• May be assigned additional duties such as Quality Improvement projects, data collection and data analysis and oversee level I and II staff training.

 Knowledge of:

• Operations and services provided through the WIC program.
• WIC program eligibility requirements, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Basic principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and those related to adequate nutrition for adults and children.
• Effective interview techniques to elicit information from program participants.
• Nutrition education and counseling methods.
• Basic principles of child development. 
• Basic principles, practices, and techniques related to breast feeding, and the proper use of breast pumps. 
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Community resources available to program participants.
• Principles and practices of preparing business documentation and reports.
• Basic mathematics, including percentages, decimals, and units of measurement.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Data collection and analysis.
• Quality Improvement process methods.

Ability To:

• Work independently and manage multiple case assignments.
• Provide counseling and education to program participants on nutrition matters.
• Assess the nutritional needs and medical risks of participants and provide support and basic nutrition counseling.
• Provide education and counseling on the principles and values of breastfeeding, as well as the proper use of breast pumps and related topics.
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable program policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements for participants.
• Elicit information from participants by asking open ended questions and utilizing active listening skills.
• Compile and review information, recommendations and other correspondence; and communication in a clear and concise manner.
• Perform required mathematical calculations with accuracy.
• Assist in coordinating and implementing program activities; assist in the development and implementation of program goals, objectives, practices, policies and procedures and work standards.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action within guidelines, policies and procedures. 
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. Assist in coordinating and implementing program activities.
• Work independently; plan and prioritize caseload; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Plan, organize and coordinate the work or training of staff as directed.
• Possess a Certified Lactation level knowledge of breastfeeding and use of breast pumps.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines serving clients with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade; AND

Nutrition Specialist I: Six (6) months of experience in a public contact position performing such duties as customer service, client education, case management, interviewing, counseling, or screening and referrals, OR fifteen (15) semester units of college level coursework in nutrition, health, or a related field.

Nutrition Specialist II: Fifteen (15) semester units of college level coursework in nutrition, health, or a related field AND two (2) years of experience in a public contact position performing such duties as customer service, client education, case management, interviewing, counseling, or screening and referrals.   

Nutrition Specialist III: Fifteen (15) semester units of college level coursework in nutrition, health, or a related field AND three (3) years of experience in a public contact position performing such duties as customer service, client education, case management, interviewing, counseling, or screening and referrals at a level equivalent to Nutrition Specialist II.   

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess or obtain WIC certification from the State of California within the first twelve months of employment. Nutrition Specialist II/III: Possession of Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) certification, and certification from the State of California in Level II Breastfeeding Training. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

 
WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• May be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of assigned duties.
• May interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

 
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, scale, and breast pumps.

 
Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.