Public Health Nutritionist

Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Health Department is a progressive public health leader serving 1.2 million residents from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. With more than 100 years of leadership in the field, we are committed to promoting population health, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring residents' equitable access to health services and information.

This position is located at a Fairfax County WIC site. Provides nutrition services to women, infants, and children, including counseling of high-risk clients and caseload management. Assesses and evaluates nutritional needs of clients and certifies them according to nutritional risk. Establishes food packages for participants. Documents all certification and nutrition activities. Plans and conducts nutrition education, including breastfeeding support and promotion, to meet participants' needs as required by established guidelines. Participates in outreach activities such as sending related information to various community groups, attending health fairs, and other community events to promote positive nutrition and breastfeeding choices.

Note: This is a grant-funded position.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's or higher degree in nutritional sciences, public health nutrition, dietetics or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university and satisfactorily completed a program of supervised clinical experience approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; or related qualification requirements as defined by the Code of Virginia Chapter 27.1 of Title 54.1 Dietitians and Nutritionists.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver's license.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - CPR required within 60 days of hire.
• AED required within 60 days of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
• This position is considered "essential personnel" and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background investigation, sanction screening, Child Protective Services (CPS) Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred candidate will have met credentialing requirements to be a Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Previous experience as a WIC Nutritionist.
• Proficiency in recordkeeping and in use of Microsoft Office software applications (i.e., MS Word and Excel).
• Position requires the candidates to be proactive, exercise good judgment, use critical thinking skills, be organized and have excellent customer service skills.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employee is required to walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs and carry equipment or young children up to 25 pounds in weight. Uses hands to grasp, handle or feel. Visual acuity is required to read data on a computer monitor. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment. Ability to drive a vehicle. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.