Nutritionist Associate

DHRM; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Health in Richmond (HQ) seeks a Nutritionist Associate to determine nutrition eligibility for WIC clients and prescribe appropriate food packages using VENA techniques and growth/biochemical assessments.

The role includes setting dietary goals, providing patient counseling, and making referrals for high-risk cases. Funding depends on Federal WIC funding; positions may be contingent on grant status.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of nutrition and nutritional standards.
• Ability to conduct interviews and collect information.
• Ability to interpret, document, calculate, and compile routine data.
• Experience providing patient education and/or communicating information to individuals.
• Good communication skills, verbally and in writing, to interact with a variety of patients, peers, and supervisors.
• Ability to work effectively individually and as a team member.
• Experience multi-tasking and prioritizing workloads.
• Skills using computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently determines nutrition eligibility and prescribes food packages.
• Assesses nutritional status and growth/biochemical history to guide dietary goals.
• Provides patient counseling tailored to individual nutritional needs and makes referrals for high-risk cases.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Interviewing

Data interpretation

Patient education

Verbal & written communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Computer systems

Education

Nutrition/Dietetics coursework

Spanish-English bilingual preferred

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Title: Nutritionist Associate

State Role Title: Dietetic Technicians

Hiring Range: $38,200 - $42,900

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: RICHMOND-HQ

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Nutritionist Associate independently determines nutrition eligibility of
applicants/clients within program guidelines and independently prescribes appropriate
food packages. Assesses nutritional status/eligibility for program services by Nutrition
Assessment using VENA technique process/food frequency history, assessing growth
patterns, weight patterns, biochemical values and medical history. Independently sets
dietary goals based on assessment. Provides patient counseling specific to the
individual’s nutritional needs. Makes referrals for high-risk counseling with Nutritionist.
This is a restricted position which is solely funded by Federal WIC Funds. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually on 09/30/27 and periodically thereafter. Employment is contingent on the continued availability of grant or non-general funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of nutrition and nutritional standards
• Ability to conduct interviews and collect information
• Ability to interpret, document, calculate, and compile routine data
• Experience providing patient education and/or communicating information to individuals
• Good communication skills, verbally and in writing, to interact with a variety of patients, peers, and supervisors
• Ability to work effectively individually and as a team member
• Experience multi-tasking and prioritizing workloads
• Skills using computer systems

  Additional Considerations

  • Training, job experience, or coursework in Nutrition, Dietetics, food services, or a related area preferred
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
  • Experience obtaining blood samples/finger sticks, and taking heights and weights of individuals

  Special Instructions

  VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e‑mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.

  Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E‑Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

  It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

  If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

  As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

  Contact Information

  Name: Vontrell Hodges

  Phone: [phone]

  Email: [e-mail],gov

  In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

  Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

  Advertised: 23 Sep 2026 Applications close: 06 Oct 2026