Nutrition Counselor

Children's National Hospital•Washington, DC

8d•$21 - $35

About The Position

The Nutrition Counselor is a paraprofessional support role providing essential services to WIC participants. The role screens applicants for program eligibility, gathers and documents information used to assess nutrition risks, delivers nutrition and breastfeeding education to low-risk participants, identifies when individual care plans or referrals are needed, and ensures appropriate follow-up. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and works under a designated higher-level staff member with Competent Professional Authority (CPA) credentials or higher, such as a Nutrition Coordinator, Breastfeeding Coordinator, or Program Director. The counselor supports eligibility certification, nutrition risk documentation, participant education, referrals and care coordination, WIC benefit issuance, and follow-up. The position requires accurate and ethical handling of participant information, confidentiality, compliance with HIPAA and WIC privacy requirements, and ongoing training on applicable policies and procedures. The role also involves collaboration and professional communication with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the WIC Director based on program priorities and operational needs. Work takes place in office or clinic settings, with occasional work at community events and travel between local clinic sites. Physical duties include regularly lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, moving between locations, and sitting for extended periods while using a computer. The employee may encounter varying temperatures or crowded event environments and must be adaptable to changing assignments.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with 3 years of experience in WIC or another public health setting, or a bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Community Health, Dietetics, Health Sciences, or a related health field.
Demonstrated proficiency with business software; Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint are preferred.
Ability to learn and apply new technology and skills.
Detail orientation and ability to multitask.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Excellent customer service and time management skills, with the ability to follow through.
Ability to work independently in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
Complete WIC paraprofessional competency training with a passing grade within 90 days of hiring.
Complete State Agency-required training and pass the administered exam upon completion of training, within 90 days.
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds without assistance on a regular basis.
Ability to walk, stand, and occasionally bend or reach; ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer.
Ability to travel locally between clinic sites or community events and operate a personal vehicle if needed.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and accept assignments as needed.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of experience in WIC or another public health setting for candidates with a high school diploma or GED.
A bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Community Health, Dietetics, Health Sciences, or a related health field; this background qualifies the individual to function as a CPPA.

Responsibilities

Conduct preliminary screenings of applicants for WIC eligibility, including income, residency, and categorical requirements.
Gather and document anthropometric and health data, such as height, weight, and hemoglobin, to support nutrition risk assessment.
Identify and document low-risk nutrition concerns under the supervision of a CPA.
Enter participant data into WIC management information systems and maintain current records.
Provide individualized and group education to low-risk participants on nutrition, healthy eating, and breastfeeding basics.
Use approved WIC materials and participant-centered counseling techniques, including the VENA approach, to tailor educational messages.
Refer participants with high-risk concerns to WIC nutritionists, breastfeeding staff, or other CPAs.
Connect families with external health and social services as appropriate, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or housing support.
Issue WIC food benefits according to agency protocols.
Schedule follow-up appointments and support continuity of care.
Maintain honest, ethical, accurate, complete, and truthful documentation and eligibility decisions; do not falsify or alter records or participant information.
Protect participant confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and WIC privacy standards; avoid fraud, benefit misuse, or misrepresentation of participant needs.
Participate in ongoing training on federal, state, and local WIC policies and procedures.
Collaborate with CPAs, the nutrition coordinator, the WIC Director, other team members, and community partners.
Communicate professionally and clearly in written and verbal interactions, including emails and documentation, and respond to emails, voicemails, and referrals in a timely manner.
Adapt to changing priorities and support program needs, which may include cross-coverage, special projects, or work at alternate clinic sites.
Lift and carry up to 20 pounds regularly and move between offices, clinics, and outreach event locations.
Travel locally between clinic sites or to community events as needed; operate a personal vehicle if needed.