WIC Registered Dietitian

Job Summary

The WIC Registered Dietitian, under general supervision from the WIC Clinic Supervisor and WIC Program Manager, performs professional public health nutrition activities by delivering direct participant care and participating in program planning and evaluation as assigned. Performs nutrition assessments, provides nutrition education and counseling, and supports participants in setting health-related goals. Promotes and supports breastfeeding. Assists in the training and evaluation of paraprofessional staff as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Interviews participants and makes thorough nutrition assessments by interpreting anthropometrics and laboratory data, health histories, medical diagnoses, physician's orders, eating habits and nutrition practices, diet assessments, and other related factors.
  (25%)

• Counsels participants and families on nutritional needs with consideration of income, cultural and religious food patterns, home facilities, educational level, and other psychosocial factors. Counsels all high-risk participants at least once during a certification period and within the required time frame. (25%)

• Provides information on the benefits of breastfeeding, aids in breastfeeding promotion in the clinic, offers praise for breastfeeding, provides counseling on common and complex breastfeeding problems, and refers staff to external lactation consultants and medical professionals as necessary. (10%)

• Assists with phone coverage, front desk coverage, and WIC appointment coverage as needed and/or when requested by the WIC Program Manager. (10%)

• Helps orient, train, and evaluate WIC paraprofessionals, volunteers, and clerical staff as assigned. Precepts dietetic interns. Conducts and/or assists with in service education for staff and professional groups and acts as a WIC nutrition expert for the program and organization. (10%)

• Consults with health care providers on participants' nutritional needs, formula requiring prescription, and health concerns; makes appropriate referrals and follow up. Authorizes the use of exempt infant formulas, WIC-eligible medical foods, and tailors WIC food packages. (10%)

• Develops, implements, evaluates, and follows up on participant documentation and care plans. (5%)

• Participates in continuing education activities; attends meetings, conferences, and workshops; keeps abreast of current nutrition research as it relates to the WIC Program and participants. (5%)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Food Science and Human Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field Required

• Master's Degree Food Science and Human Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field. Preferred

Work Experience:

• less than 1 year Experience in ambulatory care, public health, or clinical setting. Required

Licenses:

• DIETICIAN-Registered Dietitian Certification - CDR - Commission on Dietetic Registration Required

• CLC-Certified Lactation Counselor - ALPP - Academy ofLactationPolicy and Practice

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human nutrition in health and disease and its application to public health practices.

• Knowledge of nutrition needs for infants and children and women during the prenatal, postpartum, and
  
  breastfeeding stages.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to navigate and successfully utilize Microsoft Office applications.