WIC Nutritionist

East Central District Health Department/Good Neighbor Community Health Center; Columbus (NE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

East Central District Health Department/Good Neighbor Community Health Center is seeking a WIC Nutritionist to assess nutritional status, certify participants, and provide participant-centered counseling in Nebraska. You will design food packages, promote breastfeeding, and connect clients with community resources.

The role emphasizes culturally sensitive education, documentation in Journey, and collaboration with the WIC team. A Nebraska license or RD eligibility is required or preferred.

Qualifications

• Active LPN or RN Nebraska license or RD eligible.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field.
• Public health nutrition knowledge is preferred.
• Experience or coursework in nutrition education is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assess nutritional status and document findings.
• Assign WIC food packages and provide nutrition education.
• Support breastfeeding and make referrals as needed.
• Attend trainings and maintain knowledge of current policies.
• Document education and care plans in Journey daily.
• Coordinate with WIC team to process daily appointments.

Education

LPN or RN Nebraska license

Registered Dietitian (RD) eligible

Bachelor’s in Nutrition/Dietetics/related field

Bachelor’s with nutrition coursework or nutrition-related experience

Job description

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a federally funded supplemental nutrition program for eligible pregnant women, postpartum woman, infants, and children through age 5. The WIC Nutritionist is responsible for serving WIC participants through assessment of nutritional status, assigning appropriate WIC food packages, and providing participant-centered nutrition education and counseling. The WIC Nutritionist promotes and supports breastfeeding and provides referrals to other medical and community resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Obtain and document height and weight measurements and conduct hemoglobin testing.
2. Complete nutrition interviews and collect nutrition-related information and document in Journey system.
3. Utilize information collected to conduct nutrition assessment, certify WIC participants, and provide appropriate and culturally-sensitive nutrition education and counseling.
4. Designs WIC food packages for participants and issue benefits according to policies and procedures.
5. Promotes and supports breastfeeding through education.
6. Refers participants to other medical/community services and resources, as appropriate.
7. Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences to maintain knowledge of current policy and job-related skills.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• A self-starter, results-oriented personality
• Contributes to a positive working environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to relate and work with a variety of cultural and socio-economically diverse individuals
• Critical thinking skills to adapt and problem solve when issues arise.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Master the use of Nebraska’s WIC computer system (Journey)
• Document all client education and care plans daily.
• Work as part of the WIC team to efficiently process daily client appointments

EDUCATION (Any of the following):

• Active LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse) Nebraska license
• Registered Dietitian or RD eligible
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field (i.e., Public Health, Home Economics/Consumer & Family Sciences) from an accredited college or university.
• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of 15 hours of coursework in human nutrition OR 9 hours of course work in human nutrition AND 2 years of work experience related to nutrition educations (such as WIC, community health educator, etc.) from an accredited college or university.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Working with infants, children, and/or pregnant women, including pediatrics and/or obstetrics/gynecology.
• Motivational interviewing and counseling
• Public speaking experience.
• Preparing and maintaining detailed documentation with clients.
• Understanding of public health system, maternal/child health, knowledge of food and nutrition
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with using computers and computer programs
• English fluency (secondary language a plus)

SCHEDULING & HOURS:

• Workdays, hours, and location to be arranged with supervisor. This may include working in the office (Columbus, Schuyler, St. Edward). A company vehicle is provided for travel to and from clinics outside of Columbus if employee has provided a copy of their valid Nebraska driver’s license and auto insurance declaration (with at least $500,000/$500,000 liability insurance).
• No weekends or holidays required.