Home Economist - County of Contra Costa, California

Why Join Contra Costa Health?
The Contra Costa County Health Services Department is offering an excellent employment opportunity for qualified individuals interested in the Home Economist position. There is currently one (1) vacancy in the Public Health Division located in Brentwood, CA.  
 
 Home Economists provide community education and training in the areas of nutrition, breastfeeding, selective shopping and effective utilization of resources to WIC participants. They provide support to county staff and community health professionals with nutrition and health information and referrals. Home Economists will attend staff meetings and training sessions and participate in the Nutrition Education Committee. This position will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in community outreach throughout the county.
 
 The WIC Program is a federally funded supplemental food and nutrition program for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under age five who are at a nutritional risk.
 
 The goal of the WIC Program is to provide women, infants, and children with healthy food, knowledge, and the opportunity to make healthy choices in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, thus enhancing the potential for all to enjoy a higher quality of life.
 
We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Is experienced working with pregnant and postpartum women, infants, children and their families.
• The ability to provide nutrition and health education to program participants and the general public.
• Has experience working with a computer.
• Has experience with data collection and managing electronic client records.

What you will typically be responsible for: 

• Assessing nutritional needs of WIC participants and provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support
• Supporting staff and community health professionals with nutrition and health information and referrals
• Providing individual and group nutrition education to WIC participants
• Assisting site manager in strategies to meet the state’s determined caseload efficiently
• Reviewing completed charts for nutritional accuracy and compliance with state/ federal regulations
• Participating in staff meetings and training
• Assisting in community outreach throughout the county and conduct surveys; perform participant registration
• Case manage therapeutic infant formula requests according to federal and state policies

 
A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will get to provide orientation to participants regarding program services
• You will get to provide health education to program participants and the general public
• Participation in Nutrition Education Committee

 
A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Work can be time-sensitive and stressful at times.
• Working with a population with diverse needs.
• Managing a large client caseload.

 
Competencies Required:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Group Facilitation: Enabling constructive and productive group interaction
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

 
To read the complete job description, please visit the website: https://www.cccounty.us/hr.
 
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.