Nutritionist II

County of Davidson; United States; On-site; USD 46,301 - 59,051; Full time

Job summary

County of Davidson seeks a Clinical Nutrition Specialist to deliver nutrition assessments and counseling for WIC participants, determining eligibility and coordinating care with the WIC team. The role emphasizes comprehensive assessments and documentation to enhance client outcomes.

The position follows a standard 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday schedule with occasional evening or weekend work. Experience with WIC and nutrition education is preferred, and a North Carolina driver license may be required.

Qualifications

• Clinical nutrition assessment and care planning for diverse clients.
• Counseling and education within program parameters.
• Documentation of assessments and plans in records.
• Knowledge of WIC program policies and procedures.
• Motivational interviewing techniques for client education.

Responsibilities

• Conduct face‑to‑face and telehealth nutrition encounters.
• Determine client eligibility for WIC participation.
• Complete nutrition assessments with health and socio‑economic data.
• Provide nutrition education and counseling within program guidelines.
• Document assessments, growth data, and care plans accurately.

Skills

Nutrition assessment

Counseling

WIC program knowledge

Motivational interviewing

Documentation

Education

Registered Dietitian CD

Master’s in Dietetics/Public Health Nutrition

Dietetics Didactic Program

Job description

$22.26 - $28.39 Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

The major purpose of this position is to provide clinical nutrition services and referrals to qualifying clients with nutrition needs to affect an improvement in the nutritional status of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants.

As a clinical nutrition provider, this employee provides comprehensive and in-depth nutrition assessments and counseling to clients. They will be responsible for determining clinical eligibility for participation in the WIC Program, maintaining appropriate documentation, utilizing knowledge of community resources and medical/nutritional treatments in developing and implementing a plan of nutrition care for each client applying for or receiving program benefits. They will work with a team of nutritionists, clerical support staff, and the program WIC director who supervises this position.

Work schedule: 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional work during evenings or weekends may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct recurrent face‑to‑face and telehealth encounters with families applying for and receiving benefits of the WIC Program.
• Determine client needs and ensure that they receive appropriate nutrition services.
• Complete thorough nutrition assessments using anthropometric and biochemical measurements, health history, socio‑economic information, and food/nutrition history for clients with a wide variety of medical conditions or complex nutritional needs.
• Provide in‑depth education and individual counseling concerning nutrition principles within programmatic parameters.
• Document clinical assessments, growth or weight gain, and nutrition care plans accurately in written and electronic records.
• Interpret anthropometric data using appropriate growth or weight‑gain charts and maintain this documentation.
• Obtain and approve appropriate prescriptions for nutrition products and foods as required by the WIC program manual, and maintain these documents.
• Complete breast‑pump and supply contracts, inventory, education and consents in accordance with NC WIC Program policy, and maintain inventories of formula and certification documents with logs for audit purposes.
• Record detailed notes in the client record that accurately reflect the needs, plans, occurrences, and communications.
• Select, evaluate, and revise nutrition education materials or curricula as assigned.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to educate clients on required topics.
• Collaborate as a team to develop low‑risk nutrition education plans for WIC participants, train WIC clerical staff, and ensure clear documentation that meets audit requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Specialized knowledge and skill in comprehensive nutrition assessment and care planning, including problem diagnosis, counseling, and evaluation of clients from diverse backgrounds and with multiple and complex health and therapeutic nutritional needs.
• Knowledge of human behavior and techniques for effecting behavior change with considerable skill in counseling.
• Broad knowledge in health care ethics, documentation in the medical record, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge in organization of community health and nutrition resources.
• Sophisticated knowledge of current scientific information regarding nutrition, diet, and health, and ability to relate this information to clients, professionals, and the general public.
• Skill in conducting a nutrition education or community needs assessment.
• Fundamental knowledge of current principles and practices of public health, and program coordination.
• Ability to interpret policy and protocols into operational procedures and work priorities.
• Skill in organizing and coordinating the work of others.
• Full range of skill in presenting ideas orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.

Physical Requirements

• Perform basic life operational support functions such as stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Perform sedentary work exerting up to 20lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10lbs of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Work in indoor environmental conditions with protection from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.
• Occasional assignment to outdoor environment as needed for WIC duties, outreach, or public health emergencies.
• Possess visual acuity to recognize physical abnormalities and symptoms.
• Maintain concentration in a moderate to noisy environment, including the presence of crying children and infants.
• Client contact may involve behavioral problems such as aggression that could cause bodily harm.

Education and Experience

• Registered Dietitian with Commission on Dietetics Registration; or Master’s degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Nutrition; or graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education‑approved Didactic Program in Dietetics and two years nutrition experience; or Dietetic Technician, Registered with Commission on Dietetics Registration with a Bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an accredited four‑year college or university and two years nutrition experience; or a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Community Nutrition from an accredited four‑year college or university and two years nutrition experience.
• Experience in WIC preferred.
• Knowledge of breastfeeding preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.