Nutrition Specialist - WIC

Overview

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you'll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Bachelor's degree or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in nutrition or dietetics. Current Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is required upon employment.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish or Somali in addition to English.

Under supervision, provides public health nutrition services to individuals and families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Determines eligibility of WIC applicants, conducts health screening and dietary assessments. Plans and evaluates the individual care plans for high-risk program participants. Provides nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support, to improve health and nutritional status in the WIC population. Applies evidence-based information and research to advance nutrition practices in WIC.

Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

• Provides services to WIC clients including nutrition education, follow-up for high nutritional and medical risk, and breastfeeding support.
• Assesses anthropometric, hematological, medical history, and dietary information to determine nutritional needs.
• Documents nutritional services provided according to established guidelines and adheres to federal and state program regulations.
• Provides medical and community referrals. Collaborates with public health staff, health care professionals, and community agencies in providing services.
• Develops individual care plans for high-risk participants, evaluates and approves the use of medical formula.
• Develops, reviews, and selects nutrition and education materials for a multi-ethnic population.
• Supports the department during disease outbreaks and emergency situations that may require non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Provides training to staff regarding nutrition education, breastfeeding education, food practices, and WIC practices.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of normal and therapeutic nutrition throughout the life cycle.
• Knowledge of current and emerging nutrition issues.
• Knowledge of education techniques and principles of human motivation for change.
• Knowledge of the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals.
• Knowledge of development and on-going assessment of high-risk care plans.
• Knowledge of blood borne pathogens, universal precautions, and ability to implement them in clinics located in community settings.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in conducting health and nutrition screening tests and assessments according to standard procedures.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to work effectively with interpreters.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with others.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to train and mentor others.
• Ability to support a quality improvement culture by growing knowledge, identifying…