Nutrition Specialist

Department: Community Health Services

Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Public Health Nutrition Program Manager

Grade/Level: C43

Travel Requirement: 5%

Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute unpaid lunch daily. Some evenings may be required.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Design and implement nutritional initiatives aimed at enhancing health and managing diseases. Perform health evaluations and offer dietary counseling to individuals and families. Engage in nutritional research activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

To successfully fulfill this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.
• Exhibit a positive and professional demeanor while providing respectful service to clients.
• Assist in the planning, execution, and assessment of dietary, nutritional, and epidemiological studies.
• Create educational materials, including manuals, visual aids, and course outlines.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to assess nutritional requirements and dietary restrictions of clients.
• Provide guidance to individuals and groups on nutrition principles, healthy eating practices, and nutrition monitoring to enhance their quality of life.
• Advocate for public policy improvements related to nutrition labeling, food fortification, and dietary standards.
• Utilize effective communication methods to engage with diverse populations across various backgrounds.
• Support the preparation of grant proposals for program funding and assist in budget management for resources.
• Adhere to federal, state, and health district regulations while maintaining necessary licenses and certifications.
• Evaluate nutritional needs, document dietary restrictions, and develop personalized dietary plans while providing nutritional guidance.
• Contribute as a member of the WIC breastfeeding support team to promote breastfeeding initiatives.
• Perform administrative support tasks as needed.
• Employ quality improvement and performance management techniques to enhance public health program effectiveness.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned, including compliance with accreditation standards and emergency response duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in food and nutrition, dietetics, or nursing from an accredited institution. Completion of an approved two-year associate degree dietetic technician program is required for Dietetic Technicians.

Experience:
Completion of a dietetic internship program accredited by the American Dietetic Association. Experience in maternal and child nutrition, including breastfeeding education, is preferred. Proficiency in literacy and language skills to meet the needs of diverse participants.

Computer Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 is required.

Licenses & Certifications:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Ohio Licensed/Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse (RN) license is required. Dietetic Technician (DTR) certification is preferred.

Other Requirements:
Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS) training within six months of hire.

COMPETENCIES/KNOWLEDGE-SKILLS-ABILITIES (KSA's):

A. Public Health Tier: 1 - Front Line and Program Support Responsibilities

B. Organizational Competencies:
All employees are expected to adhere to the mission of preventing disease, promoting health and wellness, and protecting the quality of the environment.

• Dependability: Demonstrates reliability and consistency in performance.
• Judgment: Ability to apply critical thinking and make evidence-based decisions while maintaining ethical standards.
• Communication: Effectively communicate in a respectful manner, both verbally and in writing, with cultural proficiency.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensure community health and safety while treating diverse clients with respect.
• Quality: Maintain organizational capacity for continuous quality improvement.
• Equity: Interact with clients and partners without bias or discrimination.
• Inclusion: Provide equal access to opportunities and resources for marginalized groups.
• Community Partnership Skills: Collaborate with community groups to address health-related issues.
• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Identify and evaluate data impacting community health.

C. Job Specific Competencies:
Descriptions of each competency can be found in the 2021 Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals.

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills
• Policy Development and Program Planning Skills
• Communication Skills
• Health Equity Skills
• Community Partnership Skills
• Public Health Sciences Skills
• Management and Finance Skills
• Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

O (Occasionally): Activity is required up to 33% of the time.
F (Frequently): Activity is required from 33% - 66% of the time.
C (Constantly): Activity is required more than 66% of the time.

Physical Demands:

• Stand - O
• Walk - O
• Sit - C
• Manually Manipulate - O
• Reach Outward - F
• Reach Above Shoulder - O
• Climb - N
• Crawl - N
• Squat or Kneel - O
• Grasp - O
• Speak - C
• Lift/Carry: 10 lbs. or less - O; 11-20 lbs. - O; 21-50 lbs. - O; 51-100 lbs. - N; Over 100 lbs. - N
• Push/Pull: 12 lbs. or less - F; 13-25 lbs. - O; 26-40 lbs. - O; 41-100 lbs. - O

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Professional office environment. Work-related travel may expose employees to various weather conditions and driving hazards. Employees may occasionally interact with the public in challenging situations.

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