NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64029879

My Florida CFO; Dade City (FL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Health in Pasco County seeks a Nutrition Educator to deliver WIC nutrition education, perform client assessments, and document care plans in the state’s data systems. The role emphasizes adherence to federal guidelines and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

You will educate participants, support breastfeeding initiatives, and participate in quality improvement activities while traveling to clinic sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the current science of food and nutrition and life-cycle nutrition.
• Ability to provide nutrition education to groups or individuals.
• Knowledge of meal planning, budgeting, and purchasing.
• Experience with WIC program regulations and data systems.

Responsibilities

• Complete nutrition assessments for WIC clients.
• Document Nutrition Care Plans and nutrition risks.
• Provide VENA-based nutrition assessment and counseling with educational materials.
• Assess readiness to change and set achievable goals for clients.
• Make referrals to health and social services as needed.
• Input data into electronic systems and maintain accurate records.
• Promote breastfeeding education and participate in QA activities.
• Travel to clinic sites to provide services as required.

Skills

Nutrition education

Public health

WIC program knowledge

Data collection

Patient counseling

Team collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nutritional science or related field

Job description

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The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:882790

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64029879

Job Title: NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64029879

Working hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 5:30pm, Closed on Friday

(hours may differ during New Hire Training)

Your Specific Responsibilities :

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

This is a highly skilled professional position which requires an expert understanding of the Federal WIC & Nutrition Program and the use of the WIC FL WiSE system with minimal supervision. Maintains current knowledge of the Federal WIC program regulations including WIC memos, WIC data system guide and the DOH manual 150-24. Having successfully completed the Nutrition Education Series of the Florida Nutrition Training Guide Modules, will provide quality nutrition care to WIC participants in compliance with the Federal Regulations. The incumbent is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork as an employee of the Department of Health in Pasco County, represents the agency and its mission and values. Maintains a courteous and cooperative relationship with staff and the public. Adheres to all departmental policy/procedure, state and federal laws governing participant information, security and privacy. Follow agency guidelines on the use and operation of computers, telephones, copiers and faxes.

Completes Nutrition Assessment for all low and high-risk WIC clients to provide client-centered nutrition services. Documents Nutrition Care Plan and identified nutrition risks using a standardized process. Provides VENA based nutrition assessment and counseling utilizing appropriate educational materials. Assess clients readiness to change and help client choose appropriate goal(s). Makes referrals for appropriate health and social services. Establishes appropriate number of subsequent individual nutrition education contacts. Evaluates and revises nutrition care plan as needed.

Attends inservice on the Nutrition Education Kit and provides interactive nutrition education contacts to low risk participants. Inputs the nutrition service code in the data system. Mainains documentation of participant goal setting. Promotes breastfeeding education. Assists with and participates in QI/QA activities to support the success of WIC.

Obtains accurate data on height and weight measurements on participants. Performs hematocrit/hemoglobin testing and records results electronically. Cleans equipment and area where blood work is done daily. Maintains “universal precautions” when completing HST duties. Follows established guidelines and standards for safety in handling equipment, biological specimens and waste products to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens. Accurately completes the lab/anthro screens in the electronic data system. Maintains and inventories all medical supplies.

Disburses WIC EBT and VOC/ID cards following standard procedure to eligible WIC participants. Instructs clients on using the WIC EBT card. Obtains client signature for EBT card issuance letter. Records the necessary information on VOC/ID cards and EBT card log. Reviews all data for accuracy and completeness. Immediately reports any discrepancies to the clinic Supervisor. Informs participants when certification expires and what is required for recertification. Keeps security/separation and inventory of VOC/ID and WIC EBT cards. Loads benefits into WIC EBT account for household.

Collects data for the end-of-day and end-of- month reports as assigned and submits same to the supervisor on a timely basis. Assists with inventories of WIC formula, equipment, and educational resources. Submits reports within the required timeframe.

Assists the supervisor with training of staff. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required. Travels to other clinic sites to provide services to WIC participants as needed. Participates in outreach efforts. Refers vendor queries to the vendor manager and client concerns to the supervisor. Assist with completion of client contact reports from the vendor manager.

Offers all eligible participants at certification/recertification or at change of address the option to complete a National Voter Registration Act Preference Form/Application and processes the information according to the Florida voter registration guidelines and established agency policies. Receives infants and child immunization records and sends copies to Family Health Services in accordance with agency protocol.

Completes and submits time sheets, EARS, and travel correctly, timely and according to established division and agency guidelines. Reads, understands and implements directives assigned.

Greets prospective WIC participants, answers telephones promptly and courteously. Schedules appointments and makes appropriate health and social services referrals. Accurately obtains income, demographic and other participant information necessary to determine WIC program eligibility and advises WIC participants of their rights and obligations according to federal guidelines. Utilizing an electronic data system accurately enters required participant data and obtains signatures. Reviews “How WIC Works” with each new participant.

Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Knowledge of the current science and practice of food and nutrition, dietetics or food service.
• Knowledge of normal nutrition principles and food needs throughout the life cycle.
• Knowledge of meal planning, food budgeting and purchasing.
• Ability to provide nutrition education to others in groups or individual instruction.
• Ability to determine nutritional needs and develop nutrition education plans for individuals who are not at medical high nutritional risk.
• Ability to educate individuals and families about food and nutritional needs.
• Ability to participate in education or in-service training programs through teaching classes, demonstrating food practices, giving talks, and developing or selecting educational materials.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain records, communicate, maintain effective working relations and good rapport.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutritional science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition, per WIC Federal Regulation, CFR, Title 7, Part 246
• Must have a valid FL Driver’s License.

Preferred -

• Experience in dietetics and nutrition.
• Experience using the WIC FL-Wise System.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values :

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work :

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida :

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;

Your take home pay can be significantly influenced by your insurance premiums.

Compare your current premium with the State of Florida employee premiums!

• Monthly employee premium for the standard PPO/HMO:
  
  • Single coverage is $50
  • Family coverage is $180
• Monthly employee premium for the High Deductible Health Plan PPO/HMO:
  
  • Single coverage is $15
  • Family coverage is $64.30
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program;
• Professional Development Training Opportunities
• And much more!

Please be advised :

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.