4551 - Community Nutrition Specialist

Overall Job Objective

Position Description

This grant-funded position, with a working schedule of either Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:15pm or Tuesday - Friday 8:00am - 5:15pm and Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm, is in the Community Health Services Division within the Health Department. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Salary Grade: 28

APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE WITHOUT COPY OF DIPLOMA OR GED.

Determines client eligibility for government funded nutritional programs by utilizing technical equipment to collect information about the individual client nutrition status, health risks and other factors and enters information into an automated computer based system. Selects and implements nutrition education care plans. These paraprofessional duties are performed in community nutrition offices under the lead of the Nutrition Services Coordinator.

Preference given to current Pima County employees.

Duties/Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

Collects information from client related to health history, nutrition status, household income and residency and enters into computer based software to determine eligibility for multiple government nutrition programs for certification periods ranging from one month to one year;
Obtains client information using standard scales, such as height and weight of women, infants and children, enters information into an automated system that determines the presence of health risks used in determining eligibility, benefits, and nutrition education plan;
Performs capillary finger punctures for hemoglobin screening, enters results into an automated system to determine client health risks, nutrition education plans and program benefits awarded;
Instructs clients on appropriate policies and procedures, determines food benefit packages and issues written warnings for program infractions;
Maintains security and inventory of food instrument supplies;
Documents client's manual and automated computer based clinical file of services provided;
Selects, implements and documents client nutrition education care plans and objectives;
Refers clients to other agencies and programs for additional assistance;
Answers basic questions and resolves simple complaints from applicants;
Assists in nutrition office by participating in nutritional classes, setting up client exam and interview rooms, scheduling return appointments and answering phones;
May issue food instruments in special circumstances, with approval of the Community Health Dietetic Services Coordinator;
May be required to participate in Public Health emergency events, exercises and training.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• basic principles of nutrition and food composition (vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, etc.);
• organization and functions of a public health office;
• community resource agencies;
• interviewing techniques;
• office practices and procedures;
• computer software and equipment.

Skill in:

• communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• reading, understanding and applying policies and procedures;
• working as a member of a team;
• understanding and relating to the problems of low income and minority individuals and their families;
• interviewing applicants and entering information into an automated data system for use in determination of eligibility.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED (required for certification in capillary finger punctures) and completion of a college level basic nutrition course or one year of experience working in the field of health, nutrition, health education or social services.
(Additional education in nutrition, dietary sciences or education may substitute for a maximum of six months of the aforementioned experience.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

1. Associate's degree or some college education preferred.
2. Bilingual (English/ Spanish).
3. At least six (6) months experience in nutrition education counseling in a maternal/child or clinical setting, including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
4. Experience and skill in the use of computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite and data entry.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/score against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Some positions require County-provided certification in capillary finger punctures and/or venipuncture within six months of appointment. Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver's license and access to a registered/insured vehicle for business travel is required (business mileage reimbursed) at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicants suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services review and approval of the candidates driving record.

Special Notice Items: Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. In accordance with OSHA and Pima County guidelines Tuberculin (TB) screening, Hepatitis B vaccinations and safety training and equipment will be provided. Employee must provide own transportation between facility locations. All positions require competence using the Women Infant and Children (WIC) automation system within six months of appointment due to state and federal regulations, policies, procedures and contract requirements for WIC. Failure to acquire/demonstrate the required competence within six months of appointment may be grounds for termination. Some positions may require bilingual abilities in English and a second language, as determined by the Department. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Lift and carry up to fifty pounds; work in extremes of heat, moisture and humidity; properly wear require safety clothing and equipment. Other physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.