JOB TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION CONSULTANT

JOB CODE: 37060

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional consultative and educational work in the field of public health nutrition in the Department of Health or Department of Education.

An employee in this job is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and consulting on the nutritional components of statewide public health programs. Work involves developing and modifying state level program guidance and procedures; evaluating programs for effectiveness and achievement of goals; integrating new federal nutrition programs with state program operations; and evaluating and recommending, updating, or developing nutrition education materials for use in agency programs. Work also involves providing statewide consultation, training, and technical assistance to program staff, local entities, and contractors regarding nutrition and program administration; the interpretation of regulations, policies, guidelines, and standards; and the interpretation of technical scientific research in the nutritional field and its application to public health programs. Work is performed independently under the general direction of an administrative supervisor and is evaluated based on results achieved.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Conducts reviews of statewide nutrition programs to determine program effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.

• Analyzes data to establish program goals and objectives and to evaluate program performance.

• Evaluates federal nutrition program guidance and develops recommendations to develop and modify program guidance and procedures for commonwealth nutrition programs.

• Provides consultative guidance to Department of Health or Department of Education staff regarding the planning and implementation of programs designed to prevent nutrition related health problems.

• Conducts needs assessments to identify the type and scope of public health nutrition services needed in the commonwealth.

• Reviews and comments on nutrition plans, menus, or food lists to ensure adherence to federal guidance.

• Reviews nutrition plans for program effectiveness, recommends improvements, and reviews corrective action plans and reports for attainment of goals.

• Reviews and approves or disapproves exceptions to nutrition program policies or procedures.

• Reviews and approves qualifications and continuing education of local nutrition workers.

• Monitors work of contractors providing nutrition education and training services.

• Develops and conducts nutrition-related trainings and presentations for entities involved in operating nutrition programs and providing nutrition education.

• Conducts research to keep current with nutrition information and disseminates information to local entities.

• Develops data reports used for program planning and evaluation.

• Provides consultative and technical guidance to local entities, such as local WIC and education agencies, on the resolution of program deficiencies and attainment of program goals.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition and dietetics.

• Knowledge of federal legislation, regulations, and policies regarding nutrition programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human behavior and behavior modification related to nutrition.

• Knowledge of the application of data collection and reporting systems.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of professional nutrition or dietetics experience in a public health, education, social service, or closely related setting and a master’s degree in human nutrition or a closely related field.