Public Health Nutrition Associate

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara Health System is seeking a Nutrition Program Assistant to support the planning and implementation of a nutrition program within the Public Health Department. You will screen clients, collect data, provide nutrition education, and coordinate referrals to health services.

The role involves breastfeeding support, data entry, and participation in departmental activities to promote nutrition services in the community. Valid California driver’s license may be required.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in nutrition science and health data collection.
• Ability to assess nutrition risk and interpret data for program eligibility.
• Experience with nutrition counseling guidelines and case management.

Responsibilities

• Screen clients for nutritional needs and determine eligibility for the program.
• Record anthropometric and clinical data in the data tracking system.
• Provide nutrition education sessions and breastfeeding support to clients.
• Explain policies and assist with referrals to public health resources.
• Maintain materials and participate in community health activities.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Data collection

Medical terminology

Counseling methods

Breastfeeding support

Public health

Education

Two-year college with nutrition coursework

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or related field

Job description

Under direction of management, assists in the planning and implementation of a nutritional program in the Public Health Department.

Learn more about Santa Clara Health System at: scvmc.org och.sccgov.org slrh.scvh.org Facebook I facebook.com/SCVMC LinkedIn | linkedin.com/SCVMC

• Screens individual clients for nutritional needs;
• Obtains nutritionally relevant data (such as medical or diet history, socioeconomic, anthropometric or laboratory data) from the client or medical record to determine eligibility for program;
• Records client's anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data in the computerized data tracking system;
• Assists clients in completing nutrition screening tool(s);
• Performs individual health and nutrition assessment per prescribed protocols;
• Educates client on identified nutrition risk condition(s);
• Determines client's eligibility for program benefits and completes certification process;
• Prescribes appropriate food instruments (food vouchers) based on assessment of client's nutrition/health indicators;
• Prioritizes referrals from health providers, community agencies and organizations and schedules clients;
• Plans, develops and provides nutrition/health education sessions to clients;
• Translates program nutrition/health materials for program;
• Maintains inventory of nutrition/health materials for program;
• Participates in departmental and community health/nutrition activities to promote nutrition program;
• Explains local, state and federal policies and procedures to clients;
• Refers clients and families to public health nutritionist per triage matrix;
• Provides follow-up nutrition intervention per state and agency protocols;
• Assists clients and families in accessing health services by referral to public health nurses, other health professionals, social and community agencies;
• Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients;
• Maintains breastfeeding equipment and supplies;
• Demonstrates proper use of electric and/or manual breast pumps to clients;
• Collects and compiles nutrition education survey data for development of annual nutrition services plan;
• Participates in professional development activities;
• Participates in staff meetings and in-service training;
• Performs related duties as required.

Sufficient training and education to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Experience Note: An applicant would normally acquire the qualifications listed below through completion of two years of college level education, with a minimum of 12 hours of nutrition coursework and two (2) years of experience assisting in the planning and implementation of a public health nutritional program. One year of additional education may be substituted for one year of experience; -OR- Bachelors Degree in Nutrition or related field with no experience.

Possession of a valid California's driver's license required upon appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of nutrition science and health;
• Child development milestones;
• Data collection;
• Medical terminology;
• Education theories and methods related to nutritional counseling and case management;
• Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical parameters relating to nutrition;
• Established protocols for collection of anthropometric measurements;
• Interviewing techniques;
• Preventive health;
• Basic computer skills;
• Applicable Federal and State nutrition program regulations;
• Public Health programs, services and community resources;
• Breastfeeding promotion and support.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Assess client needs and develop a plan with specific outcomes and documents;
• Comply with established protocols for collection of anthropometric measurements;
• Interview clients in a public health setting;
• Solve problems;
• Collect and compile nutrition/health data from clients or records;
• Communicate effectively with clients through use of verbal and nonverbal cues;
• Apply contemporary nutrition/health knowledge and skills;
• Conduct group education classes and advise clients on an individual basis;
• Interpret Federal, State and Local regulations affecting program operation;
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with individuals of diverse culture, ethnic, education and socio-economic backgrounds, community agencies and health professionals.