Public Health Nutritionist

Determines eligibility for WIC Program benefits and provides comprehensive and in-depth nutrition education. Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Health Nutrition Coordinator.

This position will serve in the Nutrition Services Division of the Onslow County Health Department.

Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 5:00pm.

Essential Functions

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, evaluate nutritional status, determine eligibility, prescribe food packages, and develop individualized plans of care for WIC participants.

• Educate participants and families in individual and/or group settings on nutrition topics, including but not limited to growth and development, good eating habits, physical activity, breastfeeding support, and positive behavior changes.

• Create nutrition education and training plans, which includes lessons plans, group classes, online modules and associated materials for participants and staff.

• Communicate participants nutrition status and additional information to health care providers as appropriate.

• Develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

• Attend community outreach events and provide in-service trainings to increase program awareness.

• Perform various administrative duties related to public health nutrition programs.

• May oversee daily operations or a small or limited nutrition program.

• Maintains professional growth and development through completion of required departmental competencies.

• Perform assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member, as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned by management.

Core Competencies

Communication Skills

• Fosters communication. building trust, engaging in active listening, conducting in-person and virtual meetings, considering language and accessibility needs, being clear and transparent

• Communicates information to influence behavior and improve health.

• Assess the literacy, communication needs and preferences of internal and external audiences.

• Seeks input from internal and external audiences, including populations served, coworkers, chambers of commerce, faith-based organizations, schools, social services organizations, health care providers, and community-based organizations.

Data Analytics and Assessment

• Identifies and describes factors that affect the health of a community

• Collects quantitative and qualitative data using various methods and tools.

• Contributes to development of data management plans.

Public Health Sciences

• Applies public health sciences in delivering the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

• Accesses evidence from print and electronic sources to support decision making.

• Maintains partnerships that increase use of evidence in public health practice.

Health Equity Skills

• Applies principles of ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in designing, implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services.

• Identifies how one's biases influence policies, programs, and services.

• Recognizes the diversity of individuals and populations.

Specialized knowledge and skill in comprehensive nutrition assessment and care planning, including problem diagnosis, counseling, and evaluation of clients from diverse backgrounds, ages, and with multiple and complex health and therapeutic nutritional needs. Knowledge of human behavior and techniques for effecting behavior change with considerable skill in counseling. Broad knowledge in health care ethics, documentation in the medical record, and quality assurance. Knowledge in organization of community health and nutrition resources. Sophisticated knowledge of current scientific information regarding nutrition, diet, and health and the ability to relate this information to clients, professionals, and the general public. Skill in conducting a nutrition education or community needs assessment. Fundamental knowledge of current principles and practices of public health, and program coordination. Ability to interpret policy and protocols into operational procedures and work priorities. Skill in organizing and coordinating the work of others. Full range of skill in presenting ideas orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in dietetics, public health nutrition, or nutrition, or related field and moderate experience in nutrition, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid Driver's license.

Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget and market considerations.

In order to be considered, final transcripts showing date degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses must be uploaded with your application even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.