Nutritionist, WIC

Job Description

About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 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.

The WIC Nutritionist is responsible for determining program eligibility, assigning nutritional risk, performing laboratory evaluations of growth and iron status, prescribe supplemental food packages, and evaluate the need for special formulas. Work involves providing nutrition education, in both an individual and in a group setting, breastfeeding counseling, providing referrals as needed, and participate in monthly quality assurance activities to support WIC recipients. Also supports the Site Supervisor in the management of the clinic.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides income and program eligibility determination of WIC applicants, evaluates documents and approves non-contract formula request, issues food benefits to WIC participants.
Provides nutrition and breastfeeding counseling and education both individually and in a group setting.
Completes blood iron level check and anthropometric measurements and review growth chart. Assign risk codes appropriately.
Assists the Site Supervisor in conducting quality assurance, reports, and clinic operations such as providing input on staff performance and training and orientation of new employees.
Responsible for promoting positive client services and resolves client concerns in a timely manner.
Issues and explains use of breast pumps to clients
Conducts community outreach provides referrals for high-risk clients needing services not provided by WIC.
Other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: Nutrition Sciences; Human Nutrition or Dietetics; Community Nutrition; Clinical Nutrition; Public Health Nutrition; Home Economics with Food and Nutrition major with 24-Semester Hours of Food & Nutrition.
Licensure:
Valid Driver’s License (Texas upon hire) with an acceptable driving record

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 any 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
Must be able to make practical application of evidence-based nutrition knowledge to meet everyday demands

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.
Preferences
Experience:
One (1) year of professional experience as a medical professional in public health, hospital, business, nursing home, school or private practice
Language:
Bilingual in English and Spanish
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Full-Time | Grant-funded
Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:30pm, Friday 8:00am to 12:00pm, and every third Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm.
May include some Saturday & Sunday work and out-of-town trainings.
Clinic hours may vary due to client demands.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment that is highly oriented on teamwork, customer service and meeting required metrics.
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Employee may also be required to give Nutrition Education presentations on weekends, attend out-of-town meetings, make home visits, or be on 24-hour call during a public health emergency response
Physical Demands:
Position requires a high level of movement throughout the facility
Ability to communicate information and accurately exchange information
Ability to enter accurate information into the computer system
Employee must be able to lift supplies 5 lbs or greater
Working conditions involve possible exposure to infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens and bodily fluids
Work Location:
Harris County Public Health- 3737 Red Bluff Rd Pasadena, TX 77503

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Life Insurance
Long-term disability
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
Professional development opportunities
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Healthcare Reimbursement Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
Retirement pension (TCDRS)
Flexible schedules (varies by department)
Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County’s behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Medical.aspx

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