OPS NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64853145

Requisition No: 831001 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS NUTRITION EDUCATOR - 64853145

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64853145 

Salary:  $20 - $23 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 07/12/2024 

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This is a very responsible, Nutrition Educator position with the Women’s, Infants, and Children (WIC) program stationed in the Sebring WIC office of the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County. This position will be required to travel to the Avon Park and Lake Placid sites. 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This is a position in the Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Work requires independent judgment and decision making and following specific federally regulated procedures in a fast-paced, high-volume setting. The incumbent is expected to maintain a courteous and cooperative working relationship with all staff and the public in a diverse environment. Work is performed at the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County.

As a Nutrition Educator, you will be responsible for interviewing WIC clients to perform nutritional assessment screening for low risk and high risk clients.  Analyzing medical and anthropometrical data to determine nutritional risk eligibility, developing client nutritional care plans and at least one client centered goal for each contact, prescribing food packages documented in the medical record, monitoring accuracy of growth grids by lab clinic staff, providing individual and group nutritional counseling, as well as education; referring clients and families as needed to other health and social service agencies. All the above duties are under the guidelines of the DHM 150-24 WIC Manual.

Additional responsibilities include, assessing and calculating exempt formula requests according to properly completed "Medical Documentation for Formula and Food Form", as determined by Physician/ARNP/Physician Assistant and within WIC Formulary Guidelines. Communicating appropriate food packages and document information appropriately on the Medical Documentation for Formula and Food Form in the FL-WiSE System.

Assessing, educating, and promoting positive breastfeeding practices to WIC participants and referring clients to Peer Counselors and CLC as needed in accordance with WIC State standards.

Coordinating with Senior Public Health Nutritionist Director and other WIC staff in the planning, developing, and evaluation of the nutrition education component (such as materials, exhibits, literature, etc.) of the Highlands County WIC Program.

Completes timely submission of timesheets, EAR’s, travel records, and other work-related reports and assignments in a timely manner. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.

Other related duties as required by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of current science and practice of nutrition and dietetics. Knowledge of concepts and theories of dietetics or nutrition as it relates to growth, health or disease. Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing data. Knowledge of nutritional and dietary assessment techniques. Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports. Ability to analyze and interpret anthropometric, biochemical, dietary and clinical data. Ability to use various communication channels to provide educational training. Ability to apply educational plans and supporting materials. Ability to identify needs and develop programs or projects to meet the needs of the community or patient group(s). Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Skills in computer entry and basic programs. Proficient computer skills including by not limited to Microsoft Office, Outlook, HMS, FLWiSE, etc.  

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, or dietetics from a US accredited college or university
• Willing to perform emergency duty during disasters before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Florida Department of Health – Highlands County

7205 S George Blvd

Sebring, FL 33875

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck.  As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements)

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.   

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.    

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

*Note: Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic submission process. 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.