nutrition educator

Requisition No:

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: NUTRITION EDUCATOR

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number:

Salary: $36,691

Posting Closing Date: 08/31/2024

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Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a highly skilled professional position which requires an expert understanding of the Federal WIC & Nutrition Program and the use of the WIC FL WiSE system with minimal supervision. Maintains current knowledge of the Federal WIC program regulations including WIC memos, WIC data system guide and the DOH manual Having successfully completed the Nutrition Education Series of the Florida Nutrition Training Guide Modules, will provide quality nutrition care to WIC participants in compliance with the Federal Regulations. The incumbent is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork, in a diverse environment and as an employee of the Department of Health in Pasco County, represents the agency and its mission and values. Maintains a courteous and cooperative relationship with staff and the public. Adheres to all departmental policy/procedure, state and federal laws governing participant information, security and privacy. Follow agency guidelines on the use and operation of computers, telephones, copiers and faxes.

Completes Nutrition Assessment for all low and high risk WIC clients to provide client-centered nutrition services. Documents Nutrition Care Plan and identified nutrition risks using a standardized process. Provides VENA based nutrition assessment and counseling utilizing appropriate educational materials. Assess clients readiness to change and help client choose appropriate goal(s). Makes referrals for appropriate health and social services. Establishes appropriate number of subsequent individual nutrition education contacts. Evaluates and revises nutrition care plan as needed.

Attends inservice on the Nutrition Education Kit and provides interactive nutrition education contacts to low risk participants. Inputs the nutrition service code in the data system. Mainains documentation of participant goal setting. Promotes breastfeeding education. Assists with and participates in QI/QA activities to support the success of WIC.

Obtains accurate data on height and weight measurements on participants. Performs hematocrit/hemoglobin testing and records results electronically. Cleans equipment and area where blood work is done daily. Maintains "universal precautions" when completing HST duties. Follows established guidelines and standards for safety in handling equipment, biological specimens and waste products to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens. Accurately completes the lab/anthro screens in the electronic data system. Maintains and inventories all medical supplies.

Disburses WIC EBT and VOC/ID cards following standard procedure to eligible WIC participants. Instructs clients on using the WIC EBT card. Obtains client signature for EBT card issuance letter. Records the necessary information on VOC/ID cards and EBT card log. Reviews all data for accuracy and completeness. Immediately reports any discrepancies to the clinic Supervisor. Informs participants when certification expires and what is required for recertification. Keeps security/separation and inventory of VOC/ID and WIC EBT cards. Loads benefits into WIC EBT account for household.

Collects data for the end-of-day and end-of- month reports as assigned and submits same to the supervisor on a timely basis. Assists with inventories of WIC formula, equipment, and educational resources. Submits reports within the required timeframe.

Assists the supervisor with training of staff. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required. Travels to other clinic sites to provide services to WIC participants as needed. Participates in outreach efforts. Refers vendor queries to the vendor manager and client concerns to the supervisor. Assist with completion of client contact reports from the vendor manager.

Offers all eligible participants at certification/recertification or at change of address the option to complete a National Voter Registration Act Preference Form/Application and processes the information according to the Florida voter registration guidelines and established agency policies. Receives infants and child immunization records and sends copies to Family Health Services in accordance with agency protocol.

Completes and submits time sheets, EARS, and travel correctly, timely and according to established division and agency guidelines. Reads, understands and implements directives assigned.

Greets prospective WIC participants, answers telephones promptly and courteously. Schedules appointments and makes appropriate health and social services referrals. Accurately obtains income, demographic and other participant information necessary to determine WIC program eligibility and advises WIC participants of their rights and obligations according to federal guidelines. Utilizing an electronic data system accurately enters required participant data and obtains signatures. Reviews "How WIC Works" with each new participant.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the current science and practice of food and nutrition, dietetics or food service.
• Knowledge of normal nutrition principles and food needs throughout the life cycle.
• Knowledge of meal planning, food budgeting and purchasing.
• Ability to provide nutrition education to others in groups or individual instruction.
• Ability to determine nutritional needs and develop nutrition education plans for individuals who are not at medical high nutritional risk.
• Ability to educate individuals and families about food and nutritional needs.
• Ability to participate in education or in-service training programs through teaching classes, demonstrating food practices, giving talks, and developing or selecting educational materials.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain records, communicate, maintain effective working relations and good rapport.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an ACEND accredited college or university in nutritional science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Must have a valid FL Driver's License.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

11611 Denton Avenue Hudson, FL 34667

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• Paid Parental Leave;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental,vision, and other supplemental insurance options;

Your take home pay can be significantly influenced by your insurance premiums. Compare your current premium with the State of Florida employee premiums

• Monthly employee premium for the standard PPO/HMO:
• Single coverage is $50
• Family coverage is $180
• Monthly employee premium for the High Deductible Health Plan PPO/HMO:
• Single coverage is $15
• Family coverage is $64.30
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click );

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more

For a more complete list of benefits, visit

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website:

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section , F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section , F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.