Nutrition Educator

Responsibilities:

  • Plans lessons and provides direct basic nutrition education that involves teaching food preparation and cooking techniques for preservation of food nutrients at low cost.
  • Documents in the medical record the specific lesson provided, relevant handouts and recipes, and plans for other nutrition education topics based on observed or stated needs.
  • Educates WIC program participants and/or primary caretakers when applicable regarding general nutrition, the purpose of the WIC program, participation guidelines and patient rights, the rationale for specific food items in the voucher/draft packages, use of the food vouchers/drafts, and the value of breastfeeding.
  • Purchases and prepares food items listed on WIC drafts using approved recipes for demonstrations and tasting sessions to group classes to introduce innovative ways of serving the foods.
  • Develops and distributes nutrition education materials such as posters, bulletin boards, flyers, pamphlets etc. to encourage participation in the WIC program.
  • Schedules participants for appointments and follows up on missed appointments.
  • Participates in outreach programs to educate community organizations about eligible nutrition programs.
  • Provides basic education on other food, health and, social assistance programs (food stamps, Medicaid, food banks, HeadStart, etc.) and refers participants to these programs in the area.
  • Participates in workshop and continuing education classes to keep abreast of latest trends in nutrition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
One year of nutritional education or counseling; food demonstration; food service; extension service work; or clerical work.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
College credit in food and/or nutrition courses will substitute for the required experience on the basis of one semester hour for two months of experience. General college training will substitute for the required experience on the basis of thirty semester hours for the one year of experience.

Vocational training in a dietetic assistant curriculum at a vocational technical school will substitute for the required experience on a month for month basis.

NOTE:
Any college hours or degree must be from a school accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies: the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; the New England Commission of Higher Education; the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Instructions to Apply: Send resume and best contact information to be contacted for an interview to Lauren Kasten Lauren.Kasten@La.Gov