Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00083

Department: Fargo Cass Public Health

Division: Fargo Cass - WIC - SELECT THIS OPTION

Job classification: WIC Nutritionist I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Medical

Summary

Under general supervision, establishes and executes individual nutrition plans for moderate and high risk WIC clients to ensure proper nutrition of program participants. Certifies WIC participants for program eligibility and makes referrals to agency and community services.

Examples of duties

Follows established defined procedures. Work is reoccurring and incumbents are required to select the guidelines and references that apply to the specific activity. New assignments are given with specific instructions and are not significantly different in nature or procedure from current and/or past assignments. While the work may be performed independently and not in the presence of a supervisor, it is performed in a situation of close control in that duties are routine and deviations from established procedures requires the approval of a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
2. Frequently interacts with others in the public, the work unit, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
3. Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
4. Serves as representative on various local and state committees.
5. Responds to Public Health Emergencies
6. Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job
7. Will fulfill roles within the Department’ Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;
8. During an actual emergency, will be accessible 24/7 with an established family
9. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices
10. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in
11. order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
12. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need
13. exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
14. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
15. Determines financial eligibility, assesses nutritional risks and certifies WIC clients
16. Performs income determination with client, health screenings (height, weight, hemoglobin and nutrition questionnaires) and assessment of nutritional eligibility for participation in the WIC program. Informs client of WIC eligible foods and shopping, issues WIC food packages.
17. Informs clients of health services available through FCPH and refers to other health and social service programs. Maintains relationships with referral agencies
18. Develops and executes client nutritional plans
19. Based on risk assessment, develops individual nutrition plans with client centered goals; monitors and documents client’s progress toward those goals
20. Provides culturally sensitive nutrition information, in person and on the phone
21. Provides counseling for medically at risk clients. Using provider’s orders, procures specialty formulas and issues to clients.
22. Provides nutrition education classes
23. Participates in various state and local nutrition committees.
24. Provides breastfeeding education and support to clients
25. Provides individualized breastfeeding counseling; assesses eligibility for and issues breast pumps.
26. Coordinates support services with area lactation consultants and provides information on community programs.
27. Maintains required WIC documentation including client notes
28. Prescribes appropriate supplemental food and issues benefits to clients
29. Maintains documentation of education, services and referrals provided to clients.
30. Provides client support services including answering the phone, scheduling clients, etc.
31. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Requires a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Licensed Nutritionist (LN) certification. Or a master’s degree in nutrition and eligibility to successfully complete the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam within one year of employment to obtain Registered Dietitian certification

Knowledge, skills and ability include: ·

• In depth knowledge of health care programs which meet requirements for registered dietitian
• In depth knowledge of nutrition theory and public health nutrition related to health and disease throughout the life cycle;
• Knowledge of community programs and resources;
• Knowledge of individual nutrition assessment, care planning, and patient motivation;
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor and clients;
• Skill in networking and forming effective collaborative relationships;
• Skill in written English sufficient and to use resources in carrying out assigned duties;
• Skill in using Microsoft office applications such as Word and Publisher;
• Ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential information;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and socio-economic levels; including working with interpreters, both in-person and on the phone.
• Ability to remain calm in fast paced environment with multiple priorities.

Supplemental information

Most work is performed in a normal office environment. Work is generally light with considerable variety. Daily work involves regular computer and phone use, moving between buildings and rooms. Driving is required weekly. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Occasional light lifting up to 20 pounds. Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions. Light Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The job may require dealing with individuals who are emotionally charged. There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases and environmental hazards. Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.