Health Educator (Evangeline and St. Landry)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Health in Region 4–Evangeline & St. Landry Parishes is seeking a Health Educator to support the WIC program by delivering nutrition education and counseling to families and promoting healthy eating habits.

Based in a Parish Health Unit, the role includes conducting nutrition assessments, supporting breastfeeding initiatives, and coordinating with physicians and community resources. A degree in nutrition or related field is required for eligibility.

Qualifications

• WIC program knowledge and nutrition education delivery experience.
• Ability to assess nutritional needs and provide counseling.
• Public health education experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply WIC policies; stay current on updates and breastfeeding education.
• Conduct WIC certification and re-certification including nutrition assessments and anthropometric measurements.
• Provide individualized nutrition education and counseling to WIC participants and families; promote breastfeeding.
• Deliver walk-in WIC services and document services per requirements.
• Support clinic operations: scheduling, registering clients, answering inquiries, data entry, and clerical duties.
• Participate in trainings, travel to locations, and assist with disaster preparedness and continuity of WIC services.

Skills

WIC program knowledge

Nutrition education

Education

Associate's degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, family and consumer science, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing

Bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, family and consumer science, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing

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

This position may be filled in the following parishes: Evangeline or St. Landry

Make a meaningful difference in family and community health asa Health Educator with the Office of Public Health in Region 4. Based in a Parish Health Unit, this role supports the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program by empowering participants with the nutrition knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build healthy eating habits. If you’re passionate about education, prevention, and helping families thrive, this position offers the opportunity to positively impact lives every day.

• 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:

• Interpret and apply WIC state policies and procedures; maintain current knowledge of program updates, nutrition standards, and breastfeeding education to ensure compliant and effective service delivery.
• Conduct WIC certification and re-certification services, including completing VENA-based nutrition assessments, identifying nutrition risk codes, determining appropriate food packages, and performing required anthropometric measurements and laboratory testing.
• Provide individualized nutrition education and counseling to WIC participants and families, including breastfeeding promotion and support, and refer clients to physicians, food assistance programs, peer counselors, and high-risk nutrition services as needed.
• Deliver walk-in WIC services such as formula changes and breastfeeding assistance; promote and assist participants with WIChealth.org; and document services accurately in accordance with program requirements.
• Support clinic operations by scheduling appointments, registering clients, answering WIC-related inquiries, providing technical assistance and in-service training to staff, performing data entry, and assisting with clerical duties as needed to maintain clinic flow.
• Participate in required trainings, travel to assigned WIC locations, and support disaster preparedness and response efforts by providing nutrition services during emergencies and ensuring continuity of WIC services post-disaster.

Position-Specific Details:

Location: Office of Public Health / Region 4-BRCO/ Evangeline & St. Landry Parishes

Appointment Type: This position may be filled as aProbationary appointment

Cost Center:3262109004

Position Number(s):50417112

Contact Information:

Paul Tran

[e-mail]

LA Department of Health (LDH)

Division of Human Resources

PO Box 4818

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

225-342-6477

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.