WIC Program Nutritionist

Uphams Corner Health Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 50,971; Full time

Job summary

Uphams Corner Health Center is seeking a full-time WIC Program Nutritionist to provide nutrition services primarily to high-risk prenatal and postpartum individuals, infants, and children. The role involves assessments, counseling, and education while maintaining program compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in public health nutrition or a related field, with a preference for a Master's degree. Strong communication skills and the ability to work across multiple sites are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition, food & nutrition, or related fields required.
• Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or Massachusetts licensure ideal.
• One year’s experience in clinical or community nutrition preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition care for high-risk and low-risk individuals.
• Conduct nutrition assessments and document services in the WIC system.
• Assist in developing and delivering nutrition education.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership capabilities

Sensitivity to participant needs

Ability to speak other languages

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 547 Columbia Rd - Dorchester, MA 02125

Position Type: Full Time 30+ hours

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage: None

Job Category: Health Care

Position Title: WIC Program Nutritionist

Department: WIC

Supervisor: Senior Nutritionist

Hours Per Week: 35 hours

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: The expected base pay for the position is $25-$37 per hour and may be increased based on other factors, such as language, certifications, etc.

Primary Function

The Program Nutritionist supports the WIC program by providing direct nutrition services to participants, with a primary focus on high-risk prenatal and postpartum individuals, infants, and children. Participants receive nutrition assessments, appropriate food package prescriptions, and individualized counseling. The Program Nutritionist also contributes to education material development, staff training, and quality assurance, helping maintain high standards of care and program compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition care to high-risk prenatal and postpartum individuals, infants, and children under the supervision of the senior nutritionist, including all aspects of:
  • Anthropometric and hematological data collection.
  • Dietary assessment, nutritional risk assessment and food package prescription.
  • Nutrition and breastfeeding counseling and education.
  • Documentation and data entry.
  • Referrals to other health and social services.
  • Follow‑up nutrition education.
• Participate in planning, development, and evaluation of:
  • Educational materials and group nutrition education, participant counseling and education strategies, nutrition in‑services and outreach activities, and nutrition policies.
• Assist Senior Nutritionist in:
  • Training paraprofessional WIC staff.
  • Conducting quality assurance activities.
• Communicate with health care community on issues pertaining to participant needs.
• Provide nutrition care for low‑risk applicants and participants as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed, including:
  • Assisting in the training of CPA Is and IIs.
  • Quality assurance activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Basic Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition, nutrition, food & nutrition, or nutrition education required.
• Master’s degree in public health nutrition, nutrition, or food & nutrition desired; Registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or licensure with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists is ideal.

Experience & Qualifications

• One year’s experience in clinical or community nutrition preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision‑making capabilities.
• Solid communications skills.
• Sensitivity to the needs of the participant population.
• Availability to work at multiple WIC sites and during program clinic hours as needed.
• In addition to English, ability to speak other languages, such as Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, French, and/or Haitian Creole highly desirable.

Essential Functions

• Conduct nutrition assessments and collect anthropometric and hematological data for high-risk and low-risk participants.
• Complete dietary assessments, determine nutritional risk, and prescribe WIC food packages.
• Provide individualized nutrition and breastfeeding counseling in person, by phone, or virtually.
• Document services accurately in the WIC information system and maintain participant records.
• Provide follow‑up education and make referrals to medical, social service, and community resources.
• Assist in developing, evaluating, and delivering individual and group nutrition education.
• Support staff training, quality assurance efforts, and program outreach activities.
• Communicate effectively with participants, families, staff, and healthcare providers.
• Use standard office equipment and WIC tools (computers, phones, infant scales, stadiometers, etc.).
• Travel between WIC sites or partner locations as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and professional conduct in all interactions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend or lift infants and small children onto measurement equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• Ability to move between work areas and sites as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Define Access Level to PHI

Level 4: Authorized to access full health information. UCHC position and job responsibilities involve the provision of patient care and working as a clinical team member. Staff in this category level, although allowed full access, should only access the necessary information for each respective treatment encounter/circumstance.