Nutrition Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Nutrition assistants provide basic clinical and nutrition services, including anthropometric measurements, hematological tests, nutritional assessments and education, and referrals to programs that are determined to benefit the client.

In this position, employees will need to successfully pass basic nutrition training within a 6-month timeframe or CWNT Supervisor/WIC Manager discretion. All tests will be evaluated by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Upon successful completion of the training, employees will be able to work on their own as a Certified WIC Nutrition Technician.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions

PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position, but are not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (100% OF TIME):

• Evaluates the nutrition status of individuals and completes certification for WIC eligibility.
• Obtains anthropometric measurements, including weight and height.
• Obtains and prepares hematological specimens for analysis.
• Conducts one-on-one client evaluations.
• Assesses nutritional status of clients using established procedures and protocols.
• Conducts basic individual counseling on normal, low-risk clients with emphasis on pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children.
• Uses client-centered counseling to work on goal setting with participants.
• Teaches breastfeeding and general nutrition education classes to participants.
• Provides breastfeeding support and issues breast pumps as needed.
• Makes referrals to other health professionals and programs.
• Documents client encounters in SOAP format.
• Responsible for responding to TEAMS messages, emails, and other forms of communication in a timely manner. Expectations will be reviewed during training.
• Provides clinical support as needed. This may include working as a clerk, answering phone calls, filing, or helping in other capacities as needed to support client and clinic demands.
• Ensures assigned clinic has required materials to perform various appointments. Orders, unpacks and refills supplies as needed.
• Responsible for submitting work orders and communicating with the WIC Manager/CWNT Supervisor for clinic and personal maintenance, safety, and technology issues.
• Required to activate and deactivate alarm systems at satellite WIC sites and ensure the building is locked and secured before leaving the premises.
• Performs related work as required and assigned.
• Performs outreach activities to clients and the community.
• Completes required training in support of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience - High school diploma or equivalent and computer experience required. An LPN, CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), or Dietetic Technician is preferred. College-level nutrition courses preferred.

Skills & Knowledge - Knowledge of basic nutrition and its relationship to good health; comfortable speaking in a class setting; ability to clearly communicate; familiar with basic computer operations and various office and clinic equipment. Training in handling blood samples.

Bilingual – ability to read, write, and converse in Spanish and English is required.

Licenses – Valid Oklahoma Driver's License required.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal contact with clinic dietitians, clerical staff, peer counselors, social workers, guidance staff, and other departments to schedule services for clients.
• External contact with the Oklahoma State Department of Health WIC Service staff, community agencies, health agencies, and Tulsa residents to share information about the WIC program.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Occasional physical effort is required to lift small children up to 35 pounds to obtain height and weight. Will be responsible for lifting, moving, and unpacking boxes of supplies as needed.

SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION:

Training and evaluation of the nutrition assistant is supervised and/or completed by the local agency Public Health Nutritionist, who is a registered dietitian.

Direct Supervision – None

Indirect Supervision – None

Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned equipment

Reports to – CWNT Supervisor and WIC Manager

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood, and other body fluids; a crowded and noisy working environment; and interaction with clients and young children who are sometimes irritated and uncooperative may lead to stressful situations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
• Employee will be required to successfully complete an in-service training program.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt