Registered Dietitian

Department: WIC/MH

Reports to: WIC/MH Director

Primary Work Location: Spencer office and traveling WIC clinic sites

Pay Status: Hourly

Eligible for Benefits: Yes

Work Hours: 30-40 hours per week with hours varying according to clinic schedules.

Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.

Qualifications

Registered Dietitian with current licensure in the State of Iowa. Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.

Duties and Responsibilities

A licensed dietitian’s responsibilities may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Function as the Competent Professional Authority (CPA) for determination of program eligibility and certification.
• Assess and document a participant’s nutrition risk(s) including measuring length/height/weight, perform hemoglobin test, and complete the Nutrition Interview
• Prescribe food packages and tailor the WIC food package to best meet the participant’s dietary need.
• Provide nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the participant’s needs and interests.
• NOTE: High risk participants must be scheduled for at least one individual education contact by a licensed dietitian. If the initial contact was provided by a licensed dietitian, then the second contact can be provided by any CPA or a licensed dietitian as determined by the licensed dietitian that certified the participant. If the initial contact was provided by a non-Licensed Dietitian CPA, then the second contact must be provided by a licensed dietitian.

• Assure adequate explanation of participant rights and responsibilities to all persons undergoing WIC certification.
• Identify and document care plans.
• Complete and follow-up on referrals to other health and social services.
• Document screening and referrals for lead testing and immunizations.
• Provide support to breastfeeding women and promote breastfeeding efforts.
• Document, track, and approve electric breast pump equipment for participants.
• Set up/tear down of traveling clinic stations and load/unload clinic supplies.
• Report equipment and data system issues to the WIC Help Desk.
• Assist with the completion of WIC data system reports and follow-up calls to participants.
• Provide follow-up to participants who complete wichealth.org lessons and complete phone Nutrition Education appointments.
• Serve as the staff person qualified to provide program nutrition information to interested professionals, outside agencies, organizations, and individuals.
• Supervise other staff providing nutrition education (nutrition educators).
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Participate in outreach activities.
• Participate in quality assurance/improvement activities.
• Order and stock nutrition education materials/supplies.
• Communicate with local physician offices to assure completion of WIC Special Formula and Food Documentation form.
• Provide nutrition assessments/counseling for Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc.’s Head Start/Early Head Start students.
• Review Head Start menus and make recommendations according to the Performance Standards.
• Participate in community needs assessment and/or breastfeeding/nutrition coalitions in the agency service area.
• Communicate or interact with various programs including, but not limited to the following:
• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Department of Human Services
• Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health
• I-Smile
• Early Head Start/Head Start
• Public Health Nursing
• Area physicians, MCOs and hospital staff
• Area Education Agency
• Lead Poisoning Prevention programs
• Child Health Specialty Clinics
• Child Care Resource & Referral agencies
• Staff of other WIC contract agencies
• Other community groups

• Attend and participate in state WIC nutrition meetings, staff meetings and other conferences which enhance training skills.
• Assist WIC Director with developing the nutrition education and breastfeeding action plans for the WIC grant.
• Licensed Dietitians must complete training requirements as outlined in the WIC policies “Local Agency Personnel Training”, “Training and Education Record”, and “New Employee Training Checklist”.
• NOTE: Full time licensed dietitians must attend at least nine hours of continuing education events per fiscal year. The number of hours planned for part-time staff should be prorated according to the number of hours worked.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform above duties with reasonable accommodation.

Other Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation
• Must maintain a good driving record.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check before hire and annually thereafter.
• Submit to a Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records check before hire and every two years thereafter.
• Local travel required.
• Keep work area neat and clean.
• Maintain equipment in good working condition.