Public Health Nutritionist

Introduction

This examination is being given to fill one (1) vacancy in the Public Health Services (Health Promotion Department) and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

NOTE : All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal.

Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

The following incentives and bonuses may be available for eligible new hires . Incentives and bonuses are subject to approval by Human Resources :

• Vacation Accrual Rate : San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate's total years of public service.
• Sick Leave : Candidates leaving other employment may receive credit for actual non-reimbursable sick leave hours (up to 160 hours) from their last agency.

Hours shall be subject to San Joaquin County's minimum sick leave cash out provisions.

New Hire Retention Bonus :

$2,000 upon completion of first year equivalent employment (2,080 hours)

$1,000 upon completion of third year equivalent employment (6,240 hours)

$3,000 upon completion of sixth year equivalent employment (12,480 hours)

Pre-Employment Drug Screening : Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.

Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Assesses nutritional needs of clients in an assigned program; monitors and evaluates nutritional services; counsels clients with specific food and nutritional needs.
• Develops, implements, and promotes nutritional programs and services; interprets and implements federal and state food and nutrition program guidelines;

reviews policies and procedures and makes recommendations.

Develops and implements nutrition education programs for individuals, families and groups; presents classes to clients;

prepares and evaluates nutritional education materials and interprets its use in local health programs; may provide assistance in vendor education.

• Serves as resource person to agency staff on nutritional problems and issues; coordinates with and assists staff in understanding client needs and carrying out program services.
• Assists in assessing agency needs; may assist in the development of nutrition plans; plans and conducts studies and surveys relating to nutritional status, dietary patterns and food needs of target population groups;

gathers and analyzes data and makes program recommendations.

• Within a specified program, may provide breastfeeding support, education and counseling to clients.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports; prepares correspondence.
• Attends meetings and conferences; makes public presentations; serves as program liaison to community organizations and programs in the area of nutrition and health promotion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Licenses / Certifications : 1) Current registration as a Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association; and 2) possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

• The principles and practices of nutrition and its relationship to health and disease; principles and methods of research and statistics;
• public health education and training methods and practices; community resources, including social and health agencies and other related support systems;
• social and cultural aspects of public health nutrition; data gathering and report preparation methods and principles; principles and practices of public relations;

basic computer and modern office automation technology relevant to department operations.

ABILITY

• Identify, counsel and provide public health nutrition needs and services; evaluate programs; interpret nutrition program requirements and guidelines;
• analyze data; prepare reports and documents; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; make presentations to groups;
• instruct support staff in specific program needs; establish and maintain effective work relationships with a wide variety of persons with nutritional problems and needs, and with the general public and staff;

operate basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility -Operate a data entry device; frequent sitting for long periods; walking; occasional standing; pushing / pulling, bending / squatting;
• driving; Lifting -Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual Requirements -Frequent overall vision, eye / hand coordination, reading / close-up work;
• occasional color perception; Dexterity -Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, writing; occasional repetitive motion; Hearing / Talking -Frequent hearing normal speech, hearing on the telephone, talking in person and on the telephone;
• Emotional / Psychological -Frequent concentration; working alone; occasional emergency situations; exposure to trauma, grief, death;

Special Requirements -May require working weekends, nights, overtime; occasional travel; Environmental Conditions -Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.