Assistant Nutritionist-61137197

S.C. Department of Public Health; South Carolina; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Holidays

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

S.C. Department of Public Health seeks a WIC Nutrition Specialist to provide clinical components of WIC certification, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

You will work under the WIC team lead, conducting health assessments, counseling, and referrals to ensure program standards are met. The role includes group education, follow-up nutrition care for low-risk referrals, and disaster preparedness duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, family and consumer sciences or other science related degree with emphasis on nutrition.
• An associate degree in science with relevant nutrition experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred: Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).

Responsibilities

• Provides all clinical components of the WIC certification process and individual nutrition education according to program standards.
• Offers Level 1 and Level 2 breastfeeding counseling and supports new mothers; issues breast pumps to WIC participants when appropriate.
• Develops and conducts group nutrition education for WIC participants and collaborates with the multidisciplinary WIC team.
• Performs follow-up nutrition counseling for low-risk referrals and documents activities.
• Monitors WIC contracts and special formulas as assigned.
• Maintains nutrition education materials and resources; supports breastfeeding promotion activities.
• Prepares reports and participates in disaster preparedness and response per the agency plan.

Skills

WIC nutrition counseling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related field

Associate degree substitution allowed

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

Under the supervision of the Women, Infatns, and Children (WIC) Team Lead, provides all clinical components of the WIC certification process and individual and group nutrition education according to WIC program standards. Provides other WIC nutrition services as assigned.

• Provides WIC certifications including health history, anthropometrics, immunization screening, hemoglobin, evaluation of risk status, nutrition and health counseling, prescription of WIC food package, documentation, and high risk referrals following program standards and protocols.
• Provides Level 1 and Level 2 (two) breastfeeding counseling and support within their scope of practice to new mothers. Issues breast pumps to WIC certified breastfeeding participants according to policy.
• Develops, conducts, and evaluates group nutrition education for WIC participants following the facilitated learning process. Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary WIC team in clinic/class scheduling, caseload monitoring and outreach; works with other program staff and disciplines to enhance integration and quality of service.
• Provides and documents individual nutrition follow-up for low-risk referrals.
• Monitors WIC contract and special formulas as assigned.
• Assists with the maintenance and upkeep of nutrition education materials and resources.
• Provides breastfeeding promotion and support activities as instructed. Issues and monitors breastfeeding supplies as requested.
• Prepares and submits required reports and other duties as assigned. Participates in disaster preparedness and response as outlined by the DPH regional/county plan, during hazardous weather, or declaration of emergency. During such times, employee is designated as an essential employee and is subject to duty/call on a 24-hour basis.
• Other duties as assigned related to the position.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science, dietetics, family and consumer sciences or other science related degree with emphasis on nutrition. An associate degree in science with relevant nutrition experience in a clinical or public health setting may substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: An associate degree in science with two (2) years of relevant nutrition experience in a clinical or public health setting may substitute for the required bachelor’s degree.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

IMMUNIZATION: All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant Employees (TGE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan ( SCRS )
  • State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP )
  • Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Temporary Grant Employees (TGE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.