WIC Health & Nutrition Specilaist

WIC Health And Nutrition Specialist

The WIC Health and Nutrition Specialist provides participant-centered nutrition counseling, breastfeeding education, and WIC benefits in compliance with WIC Nutrition Services Standards. This role requires cultural competence, proficiency in electronic documentation systems, and adherence to federal and state guidelines.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Provide individual and group nutrition counseling to WIC participants.
• Determine eligibility and assign appropriate food packages.
• Educate and support participants in breastfeeding techniques and breast pump use.
• Perform clinical assessments, including anthropometric measurements and blood samples.
• Identify nutritional risk factors and obtain approvals for prescription formulas.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation in accordance with program policies.
• Coordinate and participate in community outreach to promote WIC services.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and sanitary clinic environment.
• Restock supplies and report facility issues.
• Order and manage inventory of breastfeeding and clinic supplies.
• Serve as a liaison between participants and other health or social service providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with 18+ months of WIC experience and completion of the Certified WCS Program within 5 months of hire, or
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) or Licensed Dietitian (LD); or
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, Human Nutrition or Dietetics, Community Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition; or
• Home Economics with Food and Nutrition major and 24 semester hours in food and nutrition; or
• Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR); or
• Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); or
• Physician (MD or DO) or Physician Assistant (PA); or
• With state agency approval:
  Home Economics or other degreed professionals with 12+ semester hours in food and nutrition and 6 semester hours of science.
• Valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of nutrition principles and WIC program guidelines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficiency in clinical testing procedures and equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and serve the public effectively.
• Familiarity with community outreach and public health education.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift up to 45 pounds with assistance on rare occasions. It involves frequent standing, sitting, walking, handling, and fine motor skills. Occasional activities include lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling, reaching, and using foot controls. Rarely, the role may require kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, or balancing. Vision, hearing, and verbal communication are essential functions of the role.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a clinic setting with exposure to infectious diseases and occasional exposure to blood borne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and irate individuals.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to health and safety protocols.

Immunizations are recommended but not mandatory. The WIC program covers costs for those who choose to receive them, and team members may decline any or all immunizations.