Nutrition Specialist

The position is located in Sells, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, educates, plans, and coordinates activities on nutrition and awareness to prevent disease and obesity. Provides counseling and follow-up with eligible clients.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Visits clinics or makes home visits to provide individual counseling to teach principles of food and nutrition; conducts blood draws and evaluates hemoglobin levels for individuals.
• Provides nutritional advice to individuals who have special dietary requirements; works closely with breastfeeding counselor to provide moms with tools and helpful hints or techniques to promote breastfeeding.
• Conducts nutrition education, cooking procedures, food safety, food selections, and menu planning.
• Ensures that clients are instructed in the storing methods; introduces a variety of recipes to clients.
• Orients clients; takes weight and measurement; obtains dietary histories of individuals to plan individualized nutrition programs.
• Determines client eligibility and certifies/re-certifies clients as needed.
• Assists in scheduling with health service providers.
• Assists in planning, outreach and participates in community health fairs, activities, and community presentations; sets up and takes down tables, chairs and computer stations and conducts food preparation demonstrations.
• Maintains accurate documentation; writes narrative and statistical reports on activities; enters data for each client; documents client charts and keeps accurate records.
• Makes referrals to other agencies as needed.
• Travels to remote areas and house to house to provide services to individuals.
• Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of proper diets for diabetics, gluten-free or wheat-free diets.
• Knowledge of USDA food guidelines and requirements.
• Knowledge of nutritional principles, diet, food selection, and economics.
• Knowledge of safe and sanitary food preparation and storage.
• Knowledge of computers and computer software, internet and computer data entry.
• Knowledge in Stars Manual, Breastfeeding Kardex Manual and breast pump equipment.
• Skill in interacting with clients to effectively educate them on nutrition.
• Skill in developing culturally appropriate teaching materials.
• Skill in public speaking and communication methods and techniques.
• Skill in operating a variety of office equipment, including personal computers, telephone, and calculators.
• Skill in providing superior customer service for both internal and external customers.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to motivate others.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to create and present effective speeches and presentations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Ability to travel within the interior/exterior boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree in Health Education, Nutrition or closely related field and two years' work experience in a nutrition counseling or a health educator field; or an equivalent combination of training, education, and work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must possess a current Food Handler's card.
• Must possess certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid.
• Must possess Community Nutrition Worker Certification.
• Must possess Breastfeeding Counselor Certification.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.