What are the responsibilities and job description for the WIC Nutritionist position at Harris County?
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About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
This is a grant funded position.
Position Overview:
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutritionist is responsible for determining WIC Program eligibility of applicants, providing counseling and nutrition education to clients individually or in groups, assigning food package prescriptions, evaluating the need for special formulas and participating in quality assurance activities on a monthly basis. At times the Nutritionist will also evaluate clients for income and residency requirements, perform laboratory evaluations of growth and iron status and do data entry and food benefit issuance.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Determines WIC program eligibility of applicants according to Federal, State and Local policies based on income, anthropometircs, blood iron level, and nutritional risk.
- Provides nutrition counseling and breastfeeding promotion and support to low and moderate risk WIC clients.
- Prescribes supplemental food packages, assesses need for breastfeeding support, breast pumps or supplies, and issues in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Assists the Site Supervisor with supervision and recommends improvement in customer service, site function and clinic flow.
- Evaluates and documents the need for Non-Contract formulas requested by WIC clients according to policies.
- Conducts community outreach and provides appropriate referrals to clients needing services not provided by WIC.
- Participates in quality assurance activities on a monthly basis.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
- Ability to demonstrate good judgment when needed to resolve client concerns
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
- Ability to identify customer needs and expectations and respond in a timely and effective manner
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
- Understands the organizational mission
- Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
- Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
- Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
- Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
- Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
- Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
- Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
- Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
- Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
- Uses sound judgment
- Self-motivated
- Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Language:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position.
- Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm, and one Saturday per month.
- Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
- Able to travel within Harris County as needed.
Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
- This is an active role with a high level of movement throughout the facility; Some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds. This job requires bending and standing for long periods of time.
Work Location:
- Harris County Public Health: Community Health & Wellness - 11509 Veterans Memorial Dr Ste 400, Houston, TX 77067
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $35,360
