Public Health Nutrition Associate

Under direction of management, assists in the planning and implementation of a nutritional program in the Public Health Department.

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• Screens individual clients for nutritional needs;
  
  
• Obtains nutritionally relevant data (such as medical or diet history, socioeconomic, anthropometric or laboratory data) from the client or medical record to determine eligibility for program;
   
• Records client's anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data in the computerized data tracking system;
   
• Assists clients in completing nutrition screening tool(s);
   
• Performs individual health and nutrition assessment per prescribed protocols;
   
• Educates client on identified nutrition risk condition(s);
   
• Determines client's eligibility for program benefits and completes certification process;
   
• Prescribes appropriate food instruments (food vouchers) based on assessment of client's nutrition/health indicators;
   
• Prioritizes referrals from health providers, community agencies and organizations and schedules clients;
   
• Plans, develops and provides nutrition/health education sessions to clients;
   
• Translates program nutrition/health materials for program;
   
• Maintains inventory of nutrition/health materials for program;
   
• Participates in departmental and community health/nutrition activities to promote nutrition program;
   
• Explains local, state and federal policies and procedures to clients;
   
• Refers clients and families to public health nutritionist per triage matrix;
   
• Provides follow-up nutrition intervention per state and agency protocols;
   
• Assists clients and families in accessing health services by referral to public health nurses, other health professionals, social and community agencies;
   
• Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients;
   
• Maintains breastfeeding equipment and supplies;
   
• Demonstrates proper use of electric and/or manual breast pumps to clients;
   
• Collects and compiles nutrition education survey data for development of annual nutrition services plan;
   
• Participates in professional development activities;
   
• Participates in staff meetings and in-service training;
   
• Performs related duties as required.

Sufficient training and education to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Experience Note:  An applicant would normally acquire the qualifications listed below through completion of two years of college level education, with a minimum of 12 hours of nutrition coursework and two (2) years of experience assisting in the planning and implementation of a public health nutritional program. One year of additional education may be substituted for one year of experience;
Possession of a valid California's driver's license required upon appointment.

Knowledge of:
 

• Principles of nutrition science and health;
   
• Child development milestones;
   
• Data collection;
   
• Medical terminology;
   
• Education theories and methods related to nutritional counseling and case management;
   
• Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical parameters relating to nutrition;
   
• Established protocols for collection of anthropometric measurements;
   
• Interviewing techniques;
   
• Preventive health;
   
• Basic computer skills;
   
• Applicable Federal and State nutrition program regulations;
   
• Public Health programs, services and community resources;
   
• Breastfeeding promotion and support.

Ability to:
 

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
   
• Assess client needs and develop a plan with specific outcomes and documents;
   
• Comply with established protocols for collection of anthropometric measurements;
   
• Interview clients in a public health setting;
   
• Solve problems;
   
• Collect and compile nutrition/health data from clients or records;
   
• Communicate effectively with clients through use of verbal and nonverbal cues;
   
• Apply contemporary nutrition/health knowledge and skills;
   
• Conduct group education classes and advise clients on an individual basis;
   
• Interpret Federal, State and Local regulations affecting program operation;
   
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with individuals of diverse culture, ethnic, education and socio-economic backgrounds, community agencies and health professionals.