Degreed Nutritionist (Los Angeles, South Bay, and Orange County Areas) - Public Health Foundation Enterprises, In

SUMMARY

PHFE WIC, a program of Heluna Health, employs staff who assist with providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and family resources to women, infants and children in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.  Under the guidance of Federal, State, Heluna Health and Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC (PHFE WIC) policies, this role supports WIC Center operations.

The Degreed Nutritionist is responsible for assisting in the management of WIC Center operations, including client enrollment, certification, and the delivery of nutrition and breastfeeding education to support the health and well-being of WIC participants. This role exists to ensure that eligible clients receive accurate food benefits and high-quality nutrition guidance in alignment with federal and state policies. The Degreed Nutritionist also assists with staff management, operational efficiency, and community engagement, directly impacting client satisfaction and program success. This individual plays a critical role in promoting positive health outcomes for families and maintaining the integrity of the WIC program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve Participants (in person and virtually): Use current computer applications to assist WIC participants with enrollment, certification, and food benefit issuance, ensuring accurate data entry and compliance with program guidelines. This task requires strong attention to detail and accuracy to maintain program integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Provide Breastfeeding Education and Support: Offer personalized breastfeeding guidance and support during individual client consultations or group sessions to promote infant health and nutrition. This role involves interpreting and communicating health information clearly with diverse audiences, influencing client health behaviors and outcomes.
• Provide Nutrition Education and WIC Orientation: Present nutrition education and WIC orientation sessions to individual participants and groups, either virtually or in person. This task directly impacts clients' understanding of nutrition and program benefits, requiring clear communication and adaptability to diverse learning styles.
• Maintain Daily Productivity Logs: Accurately track and document daily activities, including client interactions and program metrics, to monitor service levels and ensure continuous improvement. This task supports operational efficiency and accountability, influencing data-driven decisions and resource allocation.

Supportive Responsibilities:

• Manage a Hybrid Workforce: Assist in coordinating remote and in-office staff schedules, ensuring team members are equipped and engaged regardless of location. This involves making decisions about workflow and communication strategies, impacting team cohesion and service delivery.
• Monitor Staff Productivity and Quality Assurance: Regularly review staff performance and daily logs to ensure compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement. This responsibility includes providing feedback, addressing performance issues, and upholding the quality of client services.
• Develop and Coach Staff: Participate in staff training, development programs, and one-on-one coaching sessions to enhance team skills and knowledge. This role directly affects staff performance and satisfaction, contributing to the overall success of the WIC program.
• Conduct Regular Staff Meetings: Facilitate team meetings to disseminate important updates, gather feedback, and address any operational concerns. This activity fosters open communication and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
• Order and Maintain Inventory of Office Equipment and Supplies: Oversee the procurement and management of center supplies, ensuring that necessary materials are available to support daily operations.
• Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment: Monitor the physical environment of the WIC center to maintain a welcoming and safe space for clients and staff. This includes implementing safety protocols and addressing any facility issues promptly.
• Support Special Projects and Community Engagement: Participate in outreach activities, special projects, committees, and community events as a representative of PHFE WIC. This role involves collaborating with external partners and stakeholders, influencing public perception and expanding the reach of WIC services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversee staff in the absence of the Supervisor, including training, assigning work, and resolving problems according to organizational policies.

Education/Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a nutrition-related field and a Verification Statement from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated Program (CP), or Graduate Program (GP).

• Without a Verification Statement, applicant must present proof of completion for the following classes: Basic Human Nutrition or Life Cycle Nutrition, Maternal, Child, & Infant Nutrition or Pediatric Nutrition, Diet Therapy, Clinical Nutrition or Disease and Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, Food Selection/Preparation, Psychology/Comparable Course.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Basic arithmetic skills required.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Outlook, MS Word, and internal WIC applications.
• Reasoning and Problem-Solving skills: Ability to follow instructions, solve problems, handle changes, and manage unexpected events.
• Good listening and comprehension skills.
• Timely response to communication requests and information sharing.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow PHFE WIC policies and values.
• Proficiency in using PHFE WIC internal applications and other relevant software.
• Apply common sense to follow written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Handle job demands, including unresolved situations, frequent changes, and unexpected events. Attention to detail and follow-up.
• Must be able to secure transportation as needed for job duties, including travel to other WIC Centers, training, and meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Stand                                    Occasionally
• Walk                                      Frequently
• Sit                                          Constantly
• Keyboarding and typing    Constantly
• Reach Outward                   Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder      Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
• Lift / Carry                            Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs.
• Push/Pull                              Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs.
• See                                         Constantly
• Taste/ Smell                         Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable       Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally          (0 - 2 hrs./day)
• Frequently             (2 - 5 hrs./day)
• Constantly             (5+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT WHILE WORKING IN THE OFFICE

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• General office setting with controlled indoor temperatures.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)