WIC Nutritionist

Primarily responsible for providing nutrition assessment and education for clients through classes and individual counseling. Provides nutrition education classes, breastfeeding support and promotion. The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (100% of Time):

1. Evaluate the nutrition status of individuals and completes certification for WIC eligibility. 
2. Determine the nutrition status of clients; evaluate dietary practices; and plan individual nutrition guidance and care for normal nutrition and diet problems.

1. Counsel clients to motivate and encourage change to improve quality of life through modifications in diet, activity, and other lifestyle habits.
2. Refer clients to additional agencies or programs that may be of benefit to that person or family. 

1. Provide nutrition education to individuals, families and groups by conducting classes and providing individual consultation.
2. Perform Hemoglobin checks and handle blood samples of WIC clients. 
3. Collect anthropometric data on all WIC clients by obtaining weight and height measurements. 
4. During individual consultation appointments, the nutritionist is responsible for completing the Midpoint Wellness Check when indicated. 
5. Responsible for responding to TEAMS messages, emails and other forms of communication in a timely manner. 
6. Provide support to nutrition assistants in the WIC Program.
7. If bilingual, provide support to clients, staff and OSDH WIC as requested to ensure clients receive service in their preferred language and materials are culturally relevant.  
8. Provide nutrition education and training for WIC staff and WIC eligible populations as requested or needed.
9. Provide breastfeeding promotion, support and counseling.  This includes the issuance of breast pumps and promotion of breastfeeding to WIC clients, among other activities.
10. Mentor dietetic intern students assigned to WIC for their community rotations.
11. Monitor and maintain inventory of breast pump supplies at assigned clinics.
12. Assist in the day-to-day operation of assigned WIC clinics, which are subject to change based on client needs, caseload volume and other factors.
13. Input all PHOCIS records by end of workday or within 24 hours of appointment completion.  
14. Evaluate each formula request received by WIC clinic staff within 24 hours of receipt. Input a PHOCIS encounter immediately following evaluation with notes detailing the current status of the request, including pending, completed, and/or further recommendations.  
15. Responsible for submitting work orders and communicating with Manager/Supervisor for clinic and personal maintenance, safety and technology issues.
16. Required to activate and deactivate alarm systems at satellite WIC sites and ensure the building is locked and secured before leaving the premises.
17. Complete required training in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.
18. Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

Education:     Bachelor’s degree in a social, community, health, education or nutritional field required.
Experience:   One year of experience as a WIC certifier preferred. Knowledge of nutrition as it relates to public health practices.
Knowledge and Skills:

• Good written and oral communication skills. Bilingual in Spanish/Zomi preferred.
• Skill in preparation and presentation of materials in formal classes.
• Good interpersonal skills to deal effectively with clients and staff.
• Comfortable working with blood samples. 

Licenses: 

• Candidate for the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential preferred, but not required.
• Valid Oklahoma driver license.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal contact with management, clinical and support staff to provide program support and referrals.
• External contact with Oklahoma State Department of Health WIC Program, community agencies and groups to coordinate WIC services and to promote good nutrition practices in Oklahoma.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Physical effort is required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

• Repeating motions, including the wrist, hands and/or fingers.
• Stooping, bending, and squatting. 
• Extend arm(s) up and out.
• Use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Identify sounds in order to receive information and to communicate by use of the spoken word. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision – None
Indirect Supervision – Provides technical direction to nutrition assistants.
Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned equipment.
Reports to – RD Supervisor & WIC Manager
Location- On-Site

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working with the public and infants in a clinic work environment. Regular exposure to indoor lights and office noise. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.
• Must be punctual and work required shifts.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt