Positions in this job family are involved in paraprofessional dietetic work in a nutrition and dietetic service unit in a facility, institution, school, hospital or public health department.
TYPICAL FUNCTIONS
Interviews patients and takes diet histories.
Reviews patient medical charts for dietetic and nutritional information.
Assists nutrition therapist in determining appropriate nutritional care of patients.
Gives individual diet instructions to patients with normal and modified diets, as directed by a nutrition therapist.
Conducts classes on general nutrition and consumer education.
Participates in public information and educational activities regarding nutrition.
Maintains records and prepares reports.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Level I:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to record observations and activities; to follow oral and written directions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Level II: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of patient food service delivery in a hospital, school, public health department, institutional or facility setting; of basic principles of nutrition, sanitation and food-handling practices; and of the basic principles of dietetics. Ability is required to identify dietary deficiencies in menus; design special diets for review by a nutrition therapist; and follow written and oral medical and dietetic instructions.
LEVEL DESCRIPTORS
The Nutrition Assistant job family has two levels which are distinguished based on the level of skill required, responsibility and complexity of specific assignments.
Level I: This is the basic level where employees perform routine entry-level work, and receive training in providing care or services to patients or clients. In this role they will primarily assist other nursing and nutritionist staff performing various functions and work under the technical supervision of a dietitian/nutrition therapist in a facility, institution, school, hospital or public health setting.
Level II: This is the career level of this job family where employees are responsible for performing all functions involving paraprofessional dietetic work in a nutrition and dietetic service unit or in a public health department. In this role they will conduct and assist in conducting nutritional assessments of individuals, including anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests using standardized procedures, clinical or physical examination, dietary intake and economic, social and environmental factors. Employees will also provide nutritional education to individual patients, and discuss dietary problems of patients with doctors, nurses and other allied health personnel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Level I:
Education and Experience requirements consist of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Level II: Education and Experience requirements consist of an associate’s degree in dietetic technology or a closely related field; or two years of experience working under the technical supervision of a dietitian/nutrition therapist in a facility, institution, school, hospital or public health setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Some positions may require successful completion of the six-month United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Nutrition Assistant Training under the supervision of a registered dietitian within the probationary period, OR successful completion of the Oklahoma State Department of Health – Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Service, Certified WIC Nutrition Technician (CWNT) training within the probationary period.
CLASS: Z24A; EST: 9/7/2007; REV: 2/22/2019;
CLASS: Z24B; EST: 2/19/2019;
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