Job Specification
NUTRITION TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION:
Under direction, assists a professional nutritionist or dietitian
in interviewing clients to obtain basic nutritional information, in
delivering direct client nutrition care services, and in providing
information to the community concerning various nutritional matters;
does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The title Nutrition Technician applies to nonprofessional
positions in support of a variety of nutritional programs.
The Nutrition Technician class includes positions which require
application of specialized program knowledge and service skills in
providing assistance to individuals and families served by a variety of
nutritional programs. This work involves such functions as obtaining
background information through interviews and home visits, determining
if applicants meet income and residency eligibility criteria, helping
individuals identify needs that relate to agreed services, and
explaining and encouraging the use of agency services as a means of
dealing with identified problems. These functions are performed in
conjunction with a professional nutritionist or dietitian in conformity
with agency procedural instructions and standards of service. Although
these positions require a specialized knowledge of the nutritional
program, they do not require the broad theoretical approach to
nutritional problems that is only acquired through professional
education.
Positions in this class require the ability to communicate and
deal effectively with a particular population group to encourage their
participation in the program and to apply a practical level knowledge
of program requirements and procedures. Typically, Nutrition
Technicians work both in and out of the office, with the outside work
involving contacts primarily with clients and their families.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Interviews applicants to develop factual information about
financial status and legal residency.
Collects information about applicant's financial status through
searches of records and documents; determines if applicant meets
established financial and residency eligibility criteria.
Explains to individuals total eligibility guidelines, rights, and
obligations.
Asks clients to recall all foods eaten (dietary intake) during
the previous 24 hours to determine what changes are needed for a
balanced diet; forwards this information to a nutritionist or dietitian
who counsels clients on proper nutrition.
Assists in or conducts group education in nutrition; demonstrates
food preparation, meal planning, and food shopping.
Assists in preparing and implementing nutrition education plans,
and in developing educational or informational materials including
audio visuals.
Assists in providing information on food management and nutrition
to individuals and families at clinics and through home visits.
Interviews clients to obtain dietary information and to identify
perceived needs.
Screens clients for nutrition problems according to established
standards, and refers them to the nutritionist or dietitian.
Evaluates client progress toward achievement of measurable
objectives.
Documents client contacts and services in appropriate records.
Assists clients in meal planning so meals can be nutritionally
balanced.
Takes height and weight measurements of clients to determine their
anthropomorphic status.
Assists nutritionists or dietitians in counseling clients on their
diet and food shopping techniques to improve their nutritional status.
Compiles statistical data for monthly reports.
Participates in community health fairs, and elicits prospective
clients' enrollment in the nutritional program.
Gives basic instruction to clients in such matters as menu
planning, meal preparation, determining caloric content of various
foods, and food preservation.
Assists with clinic arrangements such as scheduling appointments,
transportation, and referrals.
May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Possession of an Associate's degree from an accredited college
with a major course of study in nutrition care or dietetics.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than
employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the
position.
KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of nutrition principles and food needs throughout
the life cycle.
Knowledge of the methods and procedures required to record
food intake and nutrition services.
Knowledge of local protocols for nutrition screening and
referral.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of evaluation.
Knowledge of the impact of socioeconomic status and ethnicity
on food habits and lifestyle.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of learning and
communication.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of meal planning,
food buying, and food budgeting.
Knowledge of health care ethics and confidentiality of
information.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing and
interpersonal communication.
Ability to acquire knowledge of the local community, and of
the services available to meet needs of the client population.
Ability to establish rapport in providing support to clients
and their families.
Ability to demonstrate the techniques of food preparation.
Ability to select and prepare nutrition education materials,
exhibits, and displays appropriate to the client population's
educational level and socioeconomic and cultural characteristics.
Ability to understand, interpret, and clarify basic agency
policy.
Ability to understand, remember, and independently carry out
oral and written instructions and assignments, and to learn quickly
from explanation and demonstration.
Ability to work cooperatively with agency staff and with
families and individuals of various socioeconomic and ethnic
backgrounds.
Ability to use interviewing techniques, and to provide
information in accordance with prescribed procedures.
Ability to prepare simple factual reports.
Ability to assess nutritional information, and to determine
client needs.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret the rules,
regulations, policies, procedures, and objectives of the agency.
Ability to collect and make appraisals of factual information.
Ability to learn quickly the significant facts in an
individual or family situation, and to weigh and evaluate such facts.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in
English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American
Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable
forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as
long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after
reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.
If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause
the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 07777 | | L | C | | N/A | 12 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
5/20/1999 |
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