Health Educator

LDH-Office of Public Health; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, is seeking a Health Educator to support Parish Health Unit and Mobile WIC operations, delivering nutrition education and community resources to women, infants, and children in Louisiana.

This role involves statewide duties, including fieldwork, inspections, investigations, or direct services beyond the employee’s domicile parish, with potential frequent travel. Collaborative work with WIC staff and outreach teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator experience or equivalent
• May require fieldwork, inspections, or direct services beyond home parish
• Background in nutrition/dietetics or health promotion preferred

Responsibilities

• Determine participant eligibility and provide nutrition education within WIC guidelines.
• Conduct nutritional assessments and develop care plans for participants.
• Provide breastfeeding education and support to WIC participants and community.
• Assist with EBT, formula orders, and inventory management.
• Participate in community outreach events and trainings.

Skills

Nutrition education

Community outreach

Public health programs

Education

Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field

Associate's degree in nutrition or health-related field

Tools

LAWIN data entry

Job description

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana.

Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health

Make a difference in the health and well-being of families across Louisiana as a Health Educator with the Office of Public Health! This rewarding opportunity supports Parish Health Unit and Mobile WIC operations by helping provide valuable nutrition education, community outreach, and health resources to women, infants, and children throughout the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program. Join a passionate team dedicated to improving community health, empowering families, and creating a lasting impact every day.

This position requires routine statewide duties, including fieldwork, inspections, investigations, or direct services that extend beyond the employee’s domicile parish. These statewide responsibilities are an inherent and ongoing part of the job and may require frequent travel.

• Four years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator or in patient care; OR
• Twelve semester hours in food and nutrition or dietetics plus three years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator or in patient care; OR
• An associate's degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, family and consumer science, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing plus two years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator; OR
• A bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, family and consumer science, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

During a disaster situation, must report, as assigned to a Medical Needs Shelter (MNS) or to the Health Unit. When assigned to the MNS, the incumbent is to report to the designated shelter. Performs duties assigned by the appropriate Incident Command Staff (ICS). Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor not necessarily reflected in the current job description.

• Serves as a Competent Professional Authority (CPA) for the WIC Program by determining participant eligibility, evaluating nutritional and medical information, assigning risk factors, prescribing food packages, and providing certification and recertification services in accordance with state and federal policies.
• Performs comprehensive nutritional assessments by evaluating anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin values, diet histories, and medical and social histories; develops care plans, provides counseling, monitors participant progress, and delivers nutrition education based on identified risk factors.
• Provides breastfeeding education, counseling, and support to WIC participants and the community, collaborates with WIC Peer Counselors, and coordinates referrals to medical providers and local resources to support healthy participant outcomes.
• Conducts anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin testing; assists with EBT benefit issuance, breast pump tracking and distribution, formula inventory management, and special formula orders while ensuring compliance with WIC policies and procedures.
• Supports WIC program operations and outreach efforts by conducting community outreach events, providing technical assistance and LAWIN data entry support, assisting with staff and student training, and participating in meetings and special projects.

Position-Specific Details

Location: Office of Public Health / Center for Community and Preventative Health / East Baton Rouge Parish

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as aJob appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months)

Cost Center:3262107600

Position Number(s):50695114

This organization participates in E-verify, and for more information on E-verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

LDH supports Louisiana’s commitment to being a State as a Model Employer (SAME) by promoting the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Information on the Louisiana Works, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is available here.

LDH is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit a highly productive and diverse workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non‑merit factor.