Nutritionist 1

Georgia Department of Public Health (GA); Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Department of Public Health, District 2 Public Health, seeks a Nutritionist 1 for the Hall County Health Department to provide WIC nutrition education, assessments, and counseling to families in northeast Georgia.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in dietetics or a closely related field and a verifi­cation statement for an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-accredited program, plus Motivational Interviewing and strong communication skills; evening or weekend work may be

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in dietetics, human nutrition, foods and nutrition, nutrition education, or a closely related field.
• Verification statement of completion of a didactic program accredited by The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nutrition assessments for WIC participants and complete certifications, mid-assessment, and follow-up counseling for high- and low-risk clients.
• Use Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and help participants set realistic, achievable nutrition goals.
• Document all services accurately in the GA-WIC MIS system.
• Review and process Requests for Medical Formula (RMF) and ensure appropriate issuance of medical formula.
• Assign and issue WIC food benefits and provide referrals to community resources.
• Provide low-risk nutrition education and support remote service delivery as needed.
• Promote, protect, and support breastfeeding through education, counseling, and positive communication.

Skills

Motivational Interviewing

Nutritional assessment

Client counseling

Public health experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in dietetics or closely related field

Verification statement for ACEND-accredited program

Tools

GA-WIC MIS

Job description

Location: Hall County Health Department

Work Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 08:00 - 5:00 PM, Tuesday 08:00-7:00 PM, Friday 08:00-12:00 PM.

Recruitment: This position is open to all qualified applicants

Pay Grade: H

Job Code: New

Requisition: 2026-00656 & 2026-00655

Vacancies: 2

*All WIC positions are subject to travel with the District as needed*

**This position will require some evening and weekend work**

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health and other social services at no charge to Georgia families that qualify.

District 2 Public Health serves 13 counties in northeast Georgia, including Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties. One of the fastest growing regions in the state, District 2 includes rural and urban communities with diverse public health challenges.

The mission of public health is to promote and protect the health of people in Georgia wherever they live, work and play. We embrace this mission by serving individuals, families, and communities to improve their health and enhance their quality of life.

Come join the team that's changing the face of public health. We are improving the health of Georgia one community at a time. We are focused on understanding community health challenges and developing smart solutions that allow us to make an impact in our community. We are a team of intelligent and committed individuals who are passionate about public health and serving northeast Georgia. If you want to make a difference in public health, you should join our team.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes employee retirement plan, deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance

Under supervision, plans and conducts service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. Provides nutritional assessment, education and counseling to individuals, groups or the public. Serves as a resource on nutrition and dietetics to nurses, health educators or other health care providers in the facility. Using Motivation Interviewing techniques, conducts client’s assessments, evaluates nutritional needs and establishes individual SMART goals with clients. Maintains breastfeeding friendly environment and encouragement. Provides individual, family, group or electronic nutrition education per assessment, goals or current class topic.

Additional responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Conduct nutrition assessments for WIC participants and complete certifications, mid-assessment, and follow-up counseling for high- and low-risk clients

• Use Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and help participants set realistic, achievable nutrition goals
• Document all services accurately in the GA-WIC MIS system
• Review and process Requests for Medical Formula (RMF), coordinate with healthcare providers as needed, and ensure appropriate issuance of medical formula
• Assign and issue WIC food benefits and provide referrals to appropriate community and health resources
• Provide low-risk nutrition education and support remote service delivery as needed
• Promote, protect, and support breastfeeding through education, counseling, and positive communication

Nutritionist 1:

Bachelor's degree in dietetics, human nutrition, foods and nutrition, nutrition education, food systems management or a closely related field from an accredited college or universityANDverification statement of completion of a didactic program accredited by The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with the WIC Program; Bilingual: fluent in writing and speaking Spanish; Ability to work independently and as a part of a team; Detail-oriented, with a positive and energetic attitude; Experience with Motivational Interviewing

Additional Information

Eligible to apply for the Georgia DPH WIC Dietetic Internship after meeting minimum qualifications and completing at least two years of full-time service with DPH

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal records check (fingerprinting). In accordance with Georgia's Drug Free Workplace Act, it has been determined that certain positions warrant pre-employment drug testing.

As an employee of D2PH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

District 2 Public Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information regarding employment with District 2 Public Health please visit our website at www.phdistrict2.org