What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nutritionist III 118001210 position at Cumberland County, NC?
Position Overview
**Hiring rate will be determined based on qualifications and internal equity
The primary purpose of this position is to provide more extensive nutrition assessments, counseling, and follow-up for high-risk prenatal, postpartum women attending the Women’s Health Clinic in the health department. This clinic provides services that decrease the incidence of complications of pregnancy through early detection and teaching the importance of prevention. It also functions to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy and infant mortality rate through primary care services and referral sources. This position is in the Women’s Health Clinic, nutrition-counseling services to prenatal participants identified as high risk (patients with chronic medical problems and/or complex medical needs requiring specialized formulas and nutritional products).
Examples of Duties
Duties for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Use program guidance and professional knowledge to assess the medical/nutritional status of prenatal, child health, family planning and adult health patients.
- Assess and provide input with menus for Cumberland County Detention Center.
- Based on identified problem areas and needs, provide appropriate nutrition education and counseling.
- Provide initial and on-going, in-depth nutrition screening of low risk and high-risk patients.
- Assess the need for and provide counseling and/or caregivers counsel regarding the need and proper use of special formulas and supplements.
- Using division procedures/protocols make any needed referrals identified during screening/assessment to other agency divisions/programs and medical provider’s offices.
- As the need arises, obtain and review health history of clients to include personal data, medical history, immunization status, current medications, and dietary history (e.g. Medical Office Assistant unavailable, questionable measures)
- Develop nutritional care plans to assist in the nutritional management of high-ris complex, medical conditions, and aiding patients in becoming knowledgeable about nutritional/medical condition in reference to nutritional needs, source of food selection and dietary modification.
- Coordinate maternal nutrition service with other local health programs. Act as nutrition resource and consultant for Health Department staff and members of the community
Employee is subject to be called upon anytime to help the agency respond to a public health emergency which may include, but is not limited to, outbreak investigations, staffing mass dispensing or immunization clinics, providing disaster relief, or other incidents (man-made or natural and intentional or non-intentional) as they arise, or any public health response requested by the Health Director.
Minimum Qualifications
Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education with a Master’s degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Nutrition from an accredited college or university and one year experience; or Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and two years nutrition experience
Candidates should provide documentation of registration status from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Applicants who have obtained their education outside of the U.S. and its territories must have their academic degrees validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://naces.org.
College transcripts, relevant certifications/licensures and verification of equivalent degree, if applicable, may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Department of Public Health Human Resources, 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. If selected for the position, a formal transcript will be required within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge and skill in comprehensive nutrition assessment and care planning is required, including a problem diagnosis, counseling, and evaluating of clients from diverse backgrounds, and ages, who have a multitude of complex, high-risk medical needs.
- Advanced knowledge and skill in theoretical principles and practices of normal nutrition and dietetics, particularly in areas of disease pathophysiology and medical rehabilitation.
- Advanced, in-depth expertise in a clinical specialty area may be required.
- Advanced level of knowledge in: case management and care coordination, health care ethics, documentation in the medical record, and quality assurance.
- Advanced skill in interpreting nutrition standards to other health professionals and the public is needed.
- Strong knowledge of current scientific information regarding nutrition, diet, and health and the ability to relate this information to clients, professionals, and the general public.
- Knowledge of human behavior and techniques for effecting behavior change.
- Ability to understand an individual’s socio-economic status and lifestyles with respect for individual differences.
- Ability to monitor and maintain quality standards of nutrition care using current standards of practice.
- Ability to organize and manage time and resources.
- Ability to make accurate observations and report changes accurately
- Ability to remain calm and function appropriately and efficiently in emergency and stressful situations.
- Ability to understand, interpret and relate oral and written instructions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Must have or obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Background check and negative drug test are required.
The Cumberland County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CCDPH complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. CCDPH does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
