Nutrition Assistant I/II

• Interviews and determines eligibility of clients according to state and local guidelines based on nutritional assessment, income, residence status, and medical data;
• Informs eligible persons of program services, requirements, rules, and procedures, including WIC benefit usage;
• Assesses nutritional risk factors; refers high-risk clients to Public Health Nutritionist;
• Counsels and educates clients regarding basic nutrition, health dietary choices, and other factors which impact nutrition; acts as a resource to clients regarding other community services available and may contact agencies on clients' behalf; tracks client progress in WIC's data management system and makes dietary recommendations;
• Teaches classes in nutrition-related topics according to established curricula and training materials; suggests new classes or improvements to existing classes based on client needs;
• Assists in the preparation of promotional and nutrition education materials;
• Issues to eligible clients and documents appropriately in WIC's data management system; 
• Records and maintains client data; completes forms and reports; enters data into computer;
• Answer phones; responds to interactive text messages, provide general program information, forms and procedures to the public; schedules appointments;
• Performs various clerical tasks in connection with caseload;
• Provide breastfeeding education and support to prenatal and nursing women;  
• Provides back up support for program staff during staff shortages; and
• Disseminate promotional and nutrition education materials.

• Trains and mentors less experienced staff;
• Provide education to the Local Vendor Liaison Program; and
• Other duties as assigned, within the classification.

• Principles of nutrition; 
• Interviewing, counseling and teaching techniques;
• Types of available community resources;
• The problems, needs, attitudes and behavior patterns of physically, socially, educationally or economically disabled or disadvantaged people;
• Public relations technique;
• Office practices and procedures; filing and record keeping systems;
• Basic arithmetic;
• Family member roles and living environments;
• Characteristics or problems unique to the group in employment, education, health, economics and social customs, and current social movements of various populations;
• Commitment to centering health and racial equity; 
• Health and racial equity and the social conditions associated with health disparities;

• Accurately gather information to assess nutritional needs and progress;
• Present information clearly and effectively in a group setting;
• Formulate and make recommendations to clients regarding behaviors which impact nutrition;
• Use community resources to assist clients;
• Understand and accept differences in attitudes toward health and diet resulting from medical, financial, cultural and other factors;
• Understand and apply regulations, rules and procedures;
• Keep records and prepare reports;
• Perform basic mathematical computations;
• Read, write and speak English at a level necessary for successful job performance;
• Use computers and related equipment necessary for job assignments;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, the general public, and with culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged clients;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Understand the needs of diverse populations including ethnic and racial groups, LGBTQA+ communities, and
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff wide variety of community organizations and the general public. 

• Two (2) years of experience providing basic nutrition or health concepts or determining program eligibility to clients in a health, medical or social service.

• Successful completion of 30 units with nine (9) semester units of coursework in nutrition, health, food science, food services management, public health, family and consumer sciences or closely related field at an accredited college or university; AND
• One (1) year of experience providing basic nutrition or health concepts or determining program eligibility to clients in health, medical or social service. 

• Successful completion of 60 unites with nine (9) semester units of coursework in nutrition, health, food science, food services management, public health, family and consumer sciences or closely related field at an accredited college or university;

• One year of experience as a Nutrition Assistant I in Stanislaus or comparable experience as a certified WIC Nutrition Assistant in a California County.

• Ability to obtain a WIC Nutrition Assistant Certification issued by the State of California Department of Health Services WIC Supplemental Nutritional Branch within 18 months.

• Possession of a WIC Nutrition Assistant Certification issued by the State of California Department of Health Services WIC Supplemental Nutritional Branch.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on. 
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position. 
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts. 
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification.  Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community & Health Services  bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. 

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER