Registered Dietitian

POSITION SUMMARY 

Provide health assessments, nutrition and breastfeeding education and case management services to pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women and children up to the age of five.  The mission of the WIC is to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating and referrals to healthcare. 

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Nutrition Assessment 

• Review previous notes prior to seeing participant for continuity of care.  Follow-up on any relevant information and goals from prior visit. 
• Understands the normal lifecycle nutrition issues for pregnancy, lactation, postpartum, infancy, and early childhood. 
• Understands the WIC nutrition assessment process including risk assignment and documentation.
• Collects anthropometric and hematological data using appropriate measurement techniques (height, weight, and hematocrit). Review growth chart with participant. 
• Multicultural awareness: understands how socio-cultural issues affect nutrition and health practices, and nutrition-related health problems. 
• Critical thinking: synthesize and analyze data to draw appropriate conclusions.
• Conduct and interpret screenings and provide referrals as needed.
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire Social Emotional-2 (ASQ-SE2)
  • Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)
  • Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Screening (EPDS)
  • Bright Smiles – provide fluoride varnish on eligible participants.

Nutrition Counseling and Education

• Counseling
  • Develop rapport and foster open communication with participants.
  • Encourage and promote breastfeeding by providing needed support and referring to the BF Peer Counselor and/or IBCLC.
  • Utilize participant centered techniques per policy (IL WIC Program Nutrition Practice Standard – Effective counseling Methods).   
• Nutrition Education
  • Individualized nutrition and breastfeeding education offered after assessments are completed.
  • Education offered is category specific and based upon participant’s needs and current guidance from USDA.
  • Guide participant in identifying simple/attainable goal(s).
  • Tailor food package to meet participants needs and issue benefits in iWIC.
  • Schedule upcoming secondary education or appropriate intervals for participant.

Recordkeeping and Documentation 

• Complete all required screens in the computer program. 
• Document per policy (IL WIC Program Nutrition Practice Standard – Documenting in WIC MIS, MCH Policy and Procedure Manual).
  • Maintain timely and accurate notes.
  • Document medically prescribed formula and formula/food packages changes. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned.
• Demonstrate familiarity with policies, performance standards and the agency’s Mission, Vision and Core Values. 
• Exhibit a positive attitude and maintain friendly and respectful relations with staff, children, and families.
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Maintain HIPAA and confidentiality policy.
• Participate in Outreach activities as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered Dietitian (or registration-eligible dietitian who has received written approval to take examination) or a Registered Nurse is required. 
2. Prior experience working with women, infants and children preferred.
3. Positive, empathic approach and ability to communicate effectively with families.
4. Possess excellent, highly developed listening skills and both written and oral communication skills.
5. Must be detail-oriented, able to think critically and efficiently organized with the ability to maintain detailed records.
6. Exhibits compassion, understanding and enjoys working with children and families.
7. Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
8. Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.