Oswego County Opportunities - Oswego, NY
posted 3 months ago
The WIC Nutritionist is responsible for determining nutrition risk eligibility, prescribing and tailoring the WIC food package, and providing nutrition education for the county-wide WIC Program. This role acts as a resource for WIC staff and provides consultation as needed, ensuring that all duties are carried out in accordance with Federal, State, Agency, and WIC program policies and procedures. The position requires conducting complete nutrition assessments, determining nutrition risks, and enrolling participants into the program. In addition to prescribing and issuing food packages, the WIC Nutritionist reviews and approves formula requests that require medical documentation in consultation with healthcare providers. The role involves providing participant-centered nutrition education through individual or family sessions and group discussions, ensuring that the education is responsive to the identified needs and interests of participants. The nutritionist also documents appropriate follow-up referrals to other health and social services agencies, particularly for participants with additional nutrition or health concerns, and ensures that referrals for lead testing and immunizations are performed. The WIC Nutritionist tracks participant progress, documents outcomes, and identifies the need for individual care plans, referring to a Qualified Nutritionist as appropriate. They carry out high-risk care plans and provide counseling for high-risk participants, conduct breastfeeding assessments, and offer counseling to help mothers initiate and maintain breastfeeding. The role also includes assisting CPAs in planning and evaluating nutrition education sessions, developing and conducting nutrition training for staff, and mentoring new nutrition support staff. Other duties may be assigned as necessary within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.