Public Health Nutritionist III

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public Health Nutrition, Foods & Nutrition, Dietetics, or a closely related field of study. NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html).  The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.
• Be certified as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Have had at least three (3) years of full‑time professional dietetics work experience in a public health or outpatient dietetic setting. NOTE: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health Nutrition, Foods & Nutrition, Dietetics, or closely related area may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.  
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to utilize the principles, methods, and materials of modern dietetic practice.
• Considerable ability to apply the principles of dietetics and nutrition to the planning of therapeutic and normal diets.
• Considerable ability to communicate with public health program staff, volunteers, referred clients, and other groups and individuals relative to dietary consultation or education.
• Considerable ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
• Considerable ability to prepare and present oral and written reports.
• Considerable ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with health professionals and community groups.
• Considerable knowledge of and the ability to utilize the principles and practices of community nutrition.
• Considerable ability to cope with difficult or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with divisional policies and objective.
• Considerable ability to exercise mature judgement and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration as a Registered Dietitian.
• Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license.
• Must submit to immunizations as required by the Health Division, and to periodic tuberculin skin tests or chest x‑rays at County expense.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Functions as a leader over lower level employees by assigning, assisting and checking work.  May in certain circumstances assist in supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides consultation and evaluation to individuals in the management and maintenance of therapeutic and normal nutrition to meet nutritional needs relative to age, socio‑economic status and lifestyle.
• Provides training, technical guidance and consultation regarding nutrition to other Health Division personnel.
• Assists in conducting studies and investigations to evaluate local nutrition needs and resources in comparison to existing services and program objectives.
• Coordinates and conducts public health nutrition program evaluations.
• Coordinates and conducts the public health nutrition quality assurance program. 
• Prepares and presents oral and written technical reports to Health Division staff, Division administrators, and other community organizations.
• Maintains records and reports pertaining to individual client services.
• Provides consultation to area institutions, community organizations and alternative community feeding programs to promote a comprehensive nutrition program.
• Coordinates and participates in teaching nutrition classes for groups with priority health needs such as diabetics, expectant parents, hypertensives, low income families, and senior citizens.
• Reviews, evaluates, and recommends current professional resource materials for utilization in a public health nutrition education program.
• Prepares displays and teaching aides for group training programs and classroom or community education.
• Participates in professional meetings and/or on‑going educational programs to maintain familiarity with current principles and practices of dietetics and nutrition.
• Provides training and evaluation experience for students enrolled in health-related intern programs.
• Provides training and education to Health Division staff to advance their knowledge and skills.
• Reviews and utilizes computerized analysis of client/group food intake records and selects and provides interpretation materials.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in community organization and development of needed food and nutrition resources or endeavors to improve nutritional status of Oakland County citizens.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to effectively communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical office environment.
• May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification.  Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.