WIC Nutrition Specialist

District Health Department #10; Ludington (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

13 Paid Holidays

Paid Days Off (PDO)

Personal Days

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

MERS Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Disability & Life Insurance

Maternity/Paternity leave

Job summary

District Health Department #10 is seeking a part-time Public Health Nutritionist to complete nutrition screening and provide breastfeeding support within the WIC program. The role requires a Bachelor of Science in a related field and an MI-licensed RN, with experience in nutrition education and EHR documentation.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, travel to partner sites as needed, and engage diverse communities using motivational interviewing techniques to promote healthy

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Nursing or related field.
• 1 year related nutrition/breastfeeding experience preferred.
• MI RN license required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Complete health and nutrition screening and assessment for WIC program.
• Provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support and referrals.
• Perform measurements and basic lab tests for risk assessment.
• Document client data in the State WIC electronic health record.
• Coordinate referrals with public health partners and community organizations.
• Engage clients with motivational interviewing to support behavior change.
• Support breastfeeding initiation and continuation in the community.
• Conduct community outreach to increase participation in WIC and related programs.

Skills

Nutrition education

Breastfeeding support

Motivational interviewing

Client education

EHR documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Driving

Education

Bachelor of Science degree

Registered Nurse license (MI)

Tools

State WIC EHR

Job description

• Base Pay $28.88 - $36.59 / Hour
• Industry Public Health
• Employee Type Part Time 20-29 Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Travel 10%
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Phone [phone]

Description

Under general direction, completes health and nutrition screening and assessment for women, infants and children. Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals for clients and families, serving as an integral part of multi-disciplinary maternal-child health and public health teams.

• Completes assessment of nutrition, medical, anthropometric and laboratory data to identify individualized food packages, educational and referral needs.
• Evaluates, approves, assigns and documents special formulas for qualifying medical conditions.
• Performs height, weight and head circumference measurements as well as hemoglobin and lead laboratory tests for medical and nutritional risk assessment.
• Provides client centered services (CCS) education applying motivational interviewing techniques.
• Establishes and documents nutrition education plan by engaging clients. This includes engaging and setting behavioral changes and goals, and supporting commitment to success.
• Promotes, protects and supports breastfeeding initiation and duration among clients and the community. Display a positive attitude related to breastfeeding to clients and the general public.
• Provides breastfeeding support, education, intervention and referrals. This includes assessment, education and distribution of breast pumps.
• Identifies, assists and coordinates client referrals with public health and community partners.
• Documents all client medical and nutritional and educational information in the State WIC and agency electronic health record.
• Depending on profession or specialized training, may perform advanced treatments or consultations such as:
  a. Oral screening and fluoride varnish applications for children (Registered Nurses.)
  b. Advanced breastfeeding interventions and recommendations (Certified Lactation Educators, Specialists, and Consultants.)
• Conducts community outreach to support and increase participation in WIC and other public health programs.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• May serve as the local agency representative for State work groups such as Breastfeeding, Nutrition Education and Promotion and Retention. IBCLC may serve as the district’s Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Maintains up-to-date vaccines including flu (influenza,) in accordance with CDC guidelines: Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.

Requirements

• Knowledge of theories and practices of professional body of knowledge in relevant field such as Nutrition, Dietetics, Nursing, or Home Economics (with nutrition emphasis,) as acquired through completion of a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Knowledge of community health, and competence in nutrition and/or breastfeeding assessment, support, and education at a level normally acquired through one year related experience.
• Registered Nurse: must be licensed by the Michigan Board of Nursing to practice.
• Ability to navigate and uses databases and electronic health record for assigned programs; and proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Self-motivated and works independently with minimal supervision.
• Applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills in client care and clinic operations.
• Communicates and works effectively with all levels of staff, clients and community partners.
• Engages clients from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Emotional and mental maturity and non-judgmental approach to achieve good working relationships with clients, families and co-workers.
• Works effectively in a team environment.
• Reliable transportation with valid Michigan driver’s license and certificate of insurance to travel to other locations for work, training, or meetings.

Summary

Why work here?

As local public health, we protect and promote the highest level of health possible for the communities we serve. Our positive work culture is strengthened by our commitment to making all employees feel valued and respected.

Our values:

• Integrity
• Service Oriented
• Health Equity
• Communication
• Community Engagement

What we offer:

• Family-first company culture
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Days Off (PDO)
• Personal Days
• Competitive Insurance – 3 options to choose from
• Dental and Vision
• MERS Retirement Plan
• Professional Development opportunities
• Employer Paid Short/Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Weeks 5-12 50% paid Maternity/Paternity leave