WIC Nutritionist

NCDHD•Columbus, NE

About The Position

The WIC Nutritionist serves eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children through age five by assessing nutritional status, assigning appropriate WIC food packages, and providing participant-centered nutrition education and counseling. The role promotes and supports breastfeeding and connects participants with medical and community resources. The position also requires maintaining documentation in Nebraska’s WIC computer system, Journey, and working with the WIC team to process daily appointments efficiently. Workdays, hours, and location are arranged with the supervisor and may include office work in Columbus, Schuyler, or St. Edward. A company vehicle is provided for travel to clinics outside Columbus, subject to providing a copy of a valid Nebraska driver’s license and auto insurance declaration showing at least $500,000/$500,000 liability insurance. Weekends and holidays are not required.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education or credential pathways: an active Nebraska LPN or RN license; Registered Dietitian or RD-eligible status; a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or a bachelor’s degree with at least 15 hours of human nutrition coursework, or 9 hours of human nutrition coursework plus 2 years of nutrition-related work experience, from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to relate to and work with culturally and socio-economically diverse individuals.
Critical-thinking skills to adapt and solve problems.
Self-starter and results-oriented approach.
Contribute to a positive working environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with infants, children, and/or pregnant women, including pediatrics and/or obstetrics/gynecology.
Experience with motivational interviewing and counseling.
Public speaking experience.
Experience preparing and maintaining detailed client documentation.
Understanding of the public health system and maternal and child health, and knowledge of food and nutrition.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with computers and computer programs.
English fluency; a secondary language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Obtain and document height and weight measurements and conduct hemoglobin testing.
Complete nutrition interviews, collect nutrition-related information, and document it in the Journey system.
Use collected information to assess nutrition, certify WIC participants, and provide appropriate, culturally sensitive nutrition education and counseling.
Design WIC food packages and issue benefits according to policies and procedures.
Promote and support breastfeeding through education.
Refer participants to medical and community services and resources as appropriate.
Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences to maintain knowledge of current policies and job-related skills.
Document client education and care plans daily.
Work as part of the WIC team to efficiently process daily client appointments.
Master the use of Nebraska’s WIC computer system, Journey.