Nutritionist I

HAMILTON HEALTH CENTER INC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Health Center Inc. seeks an entry-level Nutritionist I to provide WIC nutrition services in Harrisburg, assuring eligibility, risk assessment, and education in line with federal/state guidelines.

You will support clinic operations and document care plans while collaborating with senior nutrition staff. Responsibilities include certifying participants, conducting nutrition counseling, promoting breastfeeding, and assisting with referrals.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of nutrition counseling and education practices.
• Knowledge of nutrition assessment and care planning.
• Ability to document accurately and clearly.
• Familiarity with public health nutrition principles.
• Willingness to travel between clinic sites.

Responsibilities

• Certifies and recertifies WIC participants.
• Determines nutrition risk and conducts nutrition education.
• Documents care plans for participants.
• Supports breastfeeding promotion and education.
• Delivers nutrition education and counseling to participants.

Skills

Nutrition counseling

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Public health

Travel as needed

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Description

The Nutritionist I provides entry-level professional nutrition services within the WIC Program. This role is responsible for determining WIC eligibility and nutrition risk levels, delivering nutrition education and counseling, and supporting clinic operations in accordance with federal and state guidelines. Nutritionist I works under the guidance of senior nutrition staff and leadership and supports program objectives through high-quality participant services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

WIC Nutrition Services

• Certifies and recertifies WIC participants in accordance with state agency guidelines
• Determines nutrition risk and applies guided goal-setting and USDA mandated Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) techniques
• Prepares and documents nutrition care plans, including for high-risk participants
• Conducts high-risk follow-up contacts and supports formula changes
• Prescribes and tailors food packages in compliance with program requirements
• Delivers and documents nutrition and breastfeeding education
• Conducts anthropometric measurements and hematological testing in accordance with OSHA and state policies
• Ensures accurate, complete, and timely documentation of participant certification process, nutrition interview and care plan
• Promotes and supports breastfeeding, including proper tracking, issuance, and cleaning of breast pumps
• Completes eWIC card functions including initiating, loading, hot carding, reinstatements and replacements

Program Support & Clinic Operations

• Makes referrals to appropriate health, social service, and community resources
• Assists with clinic operations during periods of increased volume or understaffing
• Attends WIC satellite clinics as assigned and supports clinic flow and benefit delivery
• Ensures security of eWIC cards, Farmers Market Vouchers, equipment, and participant information
• Participates in meetings, trainings, in-services, and conferences as assigned
• Complies with nutrition education, breastfeeding, and outreach objectives

General Responsibilities

• Maintains professionalism and respectful interactions with participants and staff
• Adheres to all Hamilton Health Center and WIC policies and procedures
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of basic nutrition counseling, assessment, and education practices
• Knowledge of anthropometric and hematological measurement techniques
• Familiarity with breastfeeding promotion and support methods
• Understanding of social and human service referral systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Basic computer proficiency
• Ability to work flexible schedules and travel as required
• Ability to function effectively in a team-based clinical environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution with a major in:
• Food and Nutrition
• Community Nutrition
• Public Health Nutrition
• Nutrition Education
• Human Nutrition
• Nutrition Science
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Ability to perform moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 30 pounds and standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in WIC, community nutrition, or customer service
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Hamilton Health Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to succeed. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers, and outside contractors and vendors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING SKILLS

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/MOTOR COORDINATION

Requires hand-eye coordination; finger dexterity, and a combination of sitting, standing, climbing, stooping, balancing, kneeling, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 15 pounds). Must be able to write, type, use telephone and computer systems, and other office equipment. May require sitting or standing for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to routine medical office/health clinic conditions as well as adverse environmental conditions such as dust, temperature and noise extremes, etc. May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with this position. This job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to review and change this description as needed to maintain business goals and accomplishments. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically. This job description is not a contract.