WIC Program Community Nutrition Educator

Navajo County; Holbrook (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Navajo County is seeking a WIC Nutritionist to conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, educate participants, and promote breastfeeding in alignment with federal guidelines. You will determine eligibility, document data, and coordinate benefits while supporting low-income families within the community.

The role requires strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and adherence to program regulations. Grant-funded position with potential staffing changes based on funding availability.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of health and nutrition principles and terminology.
• Understanding of health and human services resources within the community.
• Familiarity with general office practices and procedures.
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive services.
• Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Proficiency with computers and office equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Complete Arizona WIC new employee training within 12 weeks of hire.
• Complete Arizona WIC breastfeeding training within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Screen and determine program eligibility per regulations.
• Explain program procedures to applicants and representatives.
• Document residency, income, and family data in participant database.
• Capture health data: height, weight, health history, dietary intake.
• Conduct nutrition assessments and evaluate dietary patterns.
• Provide nutrition education to individuals or groups.
• Refer clients to health and social services as needed.
• Schedule and manage participant appointments.
• Plan and distribute food packages for eligible participants.
• Promote breastfeeding and related support activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of records and benefits.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Public health understanding

Office procedures

Cultural sensitivity

Regulatory compliance

Computer proficiency

Verbal and written communication

WIC training timelines

Breastfeeding training timelines

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree (preferred)

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Summary

Under general supervision, screens, completes certifications, provides comprehensive nutrition assessments and breastfeeding support to WIC program participants according to federal guidelines, rules, and regulations; performs related work as assigned. Reports to the WIC Program Manager. This position is grant-funded, with employment contingent upon availability of grant funding.

Essential Job Functions

(Essential Function, As Defined Under The Americans With Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Determines program eligibility in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and procedures.
• Explain program procedures, regulations, processes, and timelines to applicants and representatives.
• Conducts interviews and accurately documents information on residency, income and family situation in a computerized participant database.
• Obtains, evaluates and documents height, weight, blood samples, health history, and dietary intake.
• Conducts nutrition assessments and evaluates dietary intake patterns.
• Performs follow-up on low-risk clients.
• Provides participant-centered nutrition education to participants individually or in groups according to age, category, health risks and family needs.
• Provides individual nutrition counseling and group education to low-risk clients.
• Evaluates family needs for health care, financial, and social assistance to make and document appropriate referrals. Refers clients to other community health and assistance programs.
• Schedules and reschedules participant appointments according to processing standard requirements.
• Assigns and tailors appropriate food packages for eligible participants based on age, category, health risks, and family needs.
• Issues food benefits for eligible WIC participants.
• Documents all nutrition assessments and education in the computer database.
• Promotes breastfeeding and breastfeeding support activities.
• Maintains security and inventory of food benefit supplies.
• Plans and participates in community outreach activities.
• Attends meetings, trainings, and conferences as required.
• May conduct individual and group nutrition education and breastfeeding classes.
• Maintains eWIC cards, program records, and equipment security.
• Maintains department and participant confidentiality.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports.
• Performs Other Duties As Required Or Assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of health and nutrition principles and terminology.
• Understanding the availability of health and human services/resources within the community
• Familiarity with general office practices and procedures.
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive services.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and ensuring compliance with rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Proficiency in using computers and other office equipment and machinery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Complete Arizona WIC new employee training within 12 weeks of hire and as needed.
• Complete Arizona WIC Breastfeeding training within one year of hire and as needed.

Desirable Qualifications

Minimum requirement a high school diploma or G.E.D. Coursework, education, or experience in health, nutrition, or a related field is preferred. An Associates or Bachelors degree is preferred. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.