CONSUMER SCIENCE SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•$52,137 - $77,163

About The Position

The Consumer Science Specialist provides individualized nutritional counseling and guidance to clients across Arkansas to promote healthier eating habits and improve health outcomes. The role assesses clients’ nutritional needs, develops personalized nutrition plans, offers dietary recommendations, and helps clients address food- and nutrition-related challenges. It also contributes to public health initiatives intended to reduce diet-related diseases and increase awareness of healthy eating practices. This position will serve as the WIC Nutrition Educator for the Central Region and is classified as safety sensitive.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field.
A valid driver’s license.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex nutrition information in accessible, actionable terms.
Ability to build rapport and trusting relationships with clients, using a compassionate and empathetic approach.
Ability to assess individual nutritional needs and create plans that account for preferences, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
Creative problem-solving skills to help clients overcome barriers to healthy eating.
Ability to provide personalized nutrition education, address concerns, and motivate clients to adopt healthier habits.
Knowledge of nutrition science, including macronutrients, micronutrients, dietary patterns, and current guidelines such as those from the USDA and other health agencies.
Ability to manage multiple client caseloads, prioritize tasks, maintain records, schedule appointments, and manage documentation.
Frequent in-state travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Active certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor or similar lactation support certification.
Experience with electronic health records or another electronic patient/client management system.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one nutritional counseling to assess clients’ dietary habits and health conditions.
Develop customized nutrition plans based on individual goals, including weight management, disease prevention, and management of chronic conditions.
Support state-level public health nutrition programs and participate in outreach and education efforts.
Participate in health fairs, community events, and nutrition workshops promoting healthy eating and disease prevention.
Provide specialized counseling to populations such as pregnant women, infants, children, older adults, and people with special dietary needs.
Maintain accurate and confidential client records, document advice and interventions, and track client progress.
Report client outcomes and nutrition program effectiveness to relevant stakeholders.
Assess clients’ medical histories, lifestyles, and eating habits, then provide science-based recommendations, including guidance on food allergies or intolerances and balanced diets.
Educate clients about balanced nutrition, meal planning, portion control, food labels, healthier food choices, and nutrition’s effects on health.
Assist clients in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders through nutritional strategies and ongoing support.
Track clients’ progress toward dietary goals.