Public Health Nutritionist

Job Description

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

The Public Health Nutritionist plays a vital role in promoting community health and wellness within the Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care facility. This position focuses on assessing nutritional needs, developing and implementing nutrition education programs, and advocating for policies that support healthy eating habits and disease prevention among tribal members. Reviews physicians' diagnosis and designs and implements nutritional care plans for patients utilizing general dietetic standards and regulations. Monitors and documents patient progress and consults with physicians as needed. Educates and provides guidance to staff, patients, and families regarding diet and food plans. Administers and advises food service operations to ensure menus comply with prescribed nutritional plans.

Essential Duties, Functions, & Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments of community nutrition needs, dietary habits, and health disparities within the tribal population.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition education programs and interventions targeting individuals, families, and community groups.
• Collaborate with tribal leaders, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations to promote nutrition initiatives and address health inequities.
• Provide individualized nutrition counseling and support to clients with specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, or wellness goals.
• Advocate for policies and environmental changes that support access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and physical activity opportunities within the tribal community.
• Participate in community outreach events, health fairs, and wellness programs to raise awareness about nutrition-related topics and resources.
• Collect and analyze data on nutrition outcomes, program effectiveness, and community health indicators to inform program planning and decision-making.
• Develop and disseminate culturally appropriate nutrition resources, materials, and educational tools for tribal members of all ages.
• Collaborate with other public health professionals, such as nurses, social workers, and community health workers, to address broader health issues impacting the tribal community.
• Stay informed about advances in nutrition science, public health research, and evidence-based practices to inform program development and service delivery.

Essential Duties, Functions, & Responsibilities:

• Minimum of two years of experience in public health nutrition, community health education, or related field, preferably working with tribal populations.
• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field from an accredited university.
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Comprehensive understanding of nutrition science, dietary guidelines, and health promotion principles relevant to diverse populations, including tribal communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with individuals, families, community leaders, and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to develop and deliver nutrition education programs and materials using culturally appropriate and linguistically relevant approaches.
• Knowledge of public health principles, strategies, and interventions for addressing nutrition-related health disparities and chronic disease prevention.
• Proficiency in assessing dietary intake, interpreting nutrition data, and providing evidence-based recommendations for improving health outcomes.
• Familiarity with community assessment methods, program evaluation techniques, and data collection tools used in public health nutrition practice.
• Commitment to cultural competence, equity, and social justice in promoting health and wellness among tribal populations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and tribal organizations to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, implement, and evaluate multiple nutrition initiatives simultaneously.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, emerging health issues, and community needs in a dynamic public health environment.

Special Requirements & Acknowledgment:

Tohono O'odham Nation is an Indian Preference Employer. Employees are expected to know existing Tohono O'odham Nation policies and know to refer to those policies when necessary.

Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.

Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record. Position may require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years). If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.