Nutritionist II - Wellness

Craven County Government; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven County Government seeks a registered dietitian to deliver dietary assessment and nutrition counseling for chronic disease patients and WIC participants. The role includes growth assessments, eligibility determinations, and nutrition education to mothers and families.

You will document in Crossroads, develop medical nutrition therapy plans, and coordinate with Health Educator and community organizations.

Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian credentials required or eligible.
• Master's degree in nutrition-related field preferred.
• ACEND-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics required.
• Two years nutrition experience may substitute for advanced degrees.
• Transcript required for verification.

Responsibilities

• Participate in local WIC operations and nutrition services.
• Assess growth, nutritional status, and eligibility for WIC.
• Provide nutrition education on infant/child feeding, breastfeeding, and prenatal nutrition.
• Document medical nutrition therapy and counseling in Crossroads system.

Skills

Nutrition counseling

WIC program knowledge

Growth/nutrition assessment

EMR documentation

Education

Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetics Registration

Master's degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Nutrition

Didactic Program in Dietetics (ACEND-approved)

Bachelor's degree with two years nutrition experience

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics/Public Health Nutrition/Community Nutrition with two years nutrition experience

Job description

Primary Purpose

To provide dietary assessment and nutrition counseling for persons with chronic diseases and for persons participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

Essential Functions

• Participate in the local operation of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, infants and Children (WIC).
• Assess applicant’s growth and nutritional status through analysis of growth measures, laboratory data and in-depth interview with caretaker. Determine eligibility for the WIC program. Provide nutrition education on infant/child feeding, breastfeeding, and prenatal nutrition.
• Complete participant certification and subsequent contacts in the Crossroads computer system.
• Provide assessment and counseling for children with acute and chronic health problems such a low birth weight, prematurity, failure to thrive, cystic fibrosis, multiple medical problems, tube feedings, congenital disorders, etc.
• Provide assessment and counseling for high-risk women participants with diabetes, gestational diabetes, colitis, eating disorders, multiple sclerosis, and history of low birth weight or premature babies.
• Prescribe food packages as needed for participants.
• Assess the nutritional status of chronic disease patients. Recommend appropriate medical nutrition therapy for diagnosed diseases and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hypocholesteremia. Laboratory data, body measurements and patient interview and history is used in making the nutritional assessment.
• Formulate a nutrition care plan that enables the patient and/or the patient’s caretaker to implement medical nutrition therapy. The care plan and teaching method will take into consideration the patient’s and caretaker’s resources and abilities.
• Reassess and modify the plan as the patient’s condition changes. Document the plan and patient’s response to the plan and provide feedback to other caretakers.
• Complete medical nutrition therapy documentation in the health department’s electronic health record as appropriate. Some of these patients are eligible for MCH nutrition monies reimbursement.
• Select and/or develop materials for medical nutrition therapy for chronic disease patents. Evaluate the materials for effectiveness and redesign as needed.
• Counsel patients who are at risk for the complications of heart disease, hypotension, diabetes, and obesity.
• Provide presentations to community groups on nutrition and nutrition-related topics. Assess needs of group and develop appropriate presentations including audio-visuals and handouts. Write articles for community groups as needed.
• Work with Health Educator and other community organizations to provide programs designed to increase nutritional health and physical fitness of adults and children in the community.

Minimum Education And Experience

Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetics Registration; or Master's degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Nutrition; or graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education-approved Didactic Program in Dietetics and two years nutrition experience; or Dietetic Technician, Registered with the Commission on Dietetics Registration with a Bachelor's degree in any subject area from an accredited four-year college or university and two years nutrition experience; or a Bachelor's of Science degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Community Nutrition from an accredited four-year college or university and two years nutrition experience. Transcript is required.

American Dietetic Association Registration or licensure preferred.

Special Requirements

G.S. 153A-94.2(b) Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire.

Additional Information

Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or management.

In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.