SENIOR NUTRITIONIST 71180
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for the direction and supervision of professional nutrition services involving nutrition education in a program designed to meet the food, nutrition and health needs of selected groups in the community vulnerable to nutrition problems. An incumbent in this class is responsible for the development of the nutrition education component of the program and the provision of nutrition education work at an advanced level of practice. A major responsibility of the work is administering the nutrition services provided to program participants including identifying the extent of nutrition needs and problems; developing nutrition program policies and standards; evaluating the nutrition services provided; and recommending and initiating improved services. An employee in this class is distinct from dietary classes assigned to health facilities in that the Senior Nutritionist is not responsible for planning and overseeing dietary aspects of the food delivery system in a health care facility. The work is performed under general supervision of the administrative program director with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in the approach to technical details and specialty of the nutrition-counseling field. Supervision is exercised over a number of professional nutritionists and paraprofessional nutrition assistants. Does related work as required.
Plans, develops and initiates nutrition education and consultation programs which may include the development, review, and distribution of nutrition education materials.
Supervises, assigns and evaluates work and provides training where appropriate, for a number of professional nutritionists and paraprofessional nutrition assistants providing services to program participants.
Provides a continuous evaluation of nutrition services to ensure high quality professional service and maintenance of program and agency standards.
Provides technical consultation on nutrition, including training workshops and seminars, to health service providers of the agency; participates in educational or training program activities as assigned.
Prepares an annual Nutrition Education Plan in accordance with requirements of the New York State Department of Health.
Prepares reports and statistical information on educational aspects of the nutrition service program.
Consults with governmental, civic and professional dietetic/nutrition organizations as needed in regard to client population and their needs for health and nutrition services.
Coordinates community outreach activities to advise target populations of availability of nutrition program services.
Coordinates with program administrative and professional personnel to develop and improve program services.
Assists in the administration of the program and in the development of nutrition related program policies.
Promotes community awareness and public relations through education to community agencies and the public concerning program eligibility and services.
Plans and conducts, at an advanced level, individual and group counseling sessions on maternal, infant and child nutrition.
Participates in national, state and local programs to keep abreast of current developments in the field of nutrition, health and social services agencies.
Advises participants, families and staff on available community resources in foods and nutrition.
Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.
Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition education.
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of nutrition and their application to public health.
Good knowledge of how various disease states and medical disabilities affect nutrition needs.
Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision.
Ability to develop, organize and administer nutrition services for individuals and groups served by the agency as well as health service providers of the agency.
71180
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Ability to counsel and evaluate the nutritional needs of peoples served by the agency.
Ability to follow and prepare oral and written reports.
Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others.
Ability to gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to communicate effectively with professional and public agencies and individuals.
Promotion: Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Nutritionist.
Open Competitive:
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree with major studies in food and nutrition and two (2) years of work experience, or it’s part-time equivalent, as a public health nutritionist, or;
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree in nutrition or public health nutrition and one (1) year of work experience, or it’s part-time equivalent, as a public health nutritionist.
Registration as a dietician by the American Dietetic Association at time of appointment.
*Minimum qualifications and special necessary requirement derived from Part 11 of the State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR).
03/2017 Revised