WIC Nutritionist

**Fair Haven Community Health Care**

**WIC Nutritionist**

**New Haven, CT - Part Time**

Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

For nearly 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients.

Its an exciting time for FHCHC. We are growing and looking for great talent to join us If you are a passionate, caring professional interested in improving the health of our community, wed like to know more about you.

**Fair Haven Community Health Care**

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 80,000 office visits in 14 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is *To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive*.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity as FHCHC is about to double its current pediatric patients by virtue of a novel collaboration with its local academic health center. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

**Job purpose**

Responsible for providing direct nutrition services, including nutrition assessment, education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to WIC participants.

**Duties and responsibilities**

* As a Competent Professional Authority (CPA) on the staff of the local program, conducts a complete WIC nutrition assessment, determines and documents nutritional risk of WIC participants, and, as appropriate, identifies and monitors high-risk clients, developing individualized care plans.

* Provides nutrition education, counseling, and breastfeeding support appropriate to the WIC participant, both individually and in group classes as needed.

* Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of nutrition education materials and nutrition service documents.

* Assists in the implementation of the nutrition and breastfeeding promotion and support component of the local agency plan, and assists with meeting State and Local objectives.

* Is responsible for the appropriate assignment and tailoring of WIC food packages for participants.

* Assures proper certification of eligible participants; can perform all clerical and nutrition functions.

* Follows State WIC and FHCHC policy and guidelines.

* Participates in State/departmental meetings, attends in-service educational programs and seminars, and maintains current nutrition information through continuing education opportunities.

* Provides appropriate referrals, on-going communication with health care providers and other community organizations as necessary.

* Performs other necessary duties as required by FHCHC to achieve the goal of providing high quality service and primary health care.

**Qualifications**

* Bachelors degree from a four-year institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body with a major in foods and nutrition, dietetics, community nutrition, nutrition education, or nutritional sciences, or,

* Masters degree from an institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body in nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition. Persons with a Masters degree in nutrition who do not have a Bachelors degree in foods and nutrition must have successfully completed the equivalent subject matter at the graduate level to compensate for any courses not completed at the undergraduate level.

* WIC experience preferred.

* Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

* Certified Lactation Counselor preferred.

* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

* Cultural and ethnic sensitivity essential; ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds.

* Willing to work extended hours.

* Strong written and oral communication skills; experience with Motivational Interviewing encouraged.

* Strong customer service skills.

* Experience with computers/technology and electronic medical records required.

**Direct reports**

* None

**OSHA Status:**

Category IIIncreased Risk Position

Generally works in an o?ce environment with no exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

**Physical requirements:**

Physical Demands: Requires walking, bending, sitting, standing, writing, reading, telephone use, data input into computer, pulling medical records,

Mental Demands: Ability to cope with continual changing priorities under potentially stressful conditions

Manual Dexterity Required: Ability to use a keyboard, telephone.

**American with Disabilities Requirements:**

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.