WIC Nutritionist

Part-Time Nutritionist

The Town of East Hartford WIC office is seeking a Part-Time Nutritionist. Responsible for providing direct nutrition services to WIC participants, including conducting nutrition assessments, delivering individualized and group nutrition education, promoting and supporting breastfeeding, and coordinating referrals to health and community resources. This role plays a vital part in improving the health and well-being of families in the community by supporting access to nutritious foods, empowering caregivers, and fostering lifelong healthy habits.

The position requires working 20–25 hours per week, with a pay rate of $23–$25 per hour, depending on experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

The Town of East Hartford proudly stands as an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a work environment free from discrimination. We firmly uphold the principles of equality, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is unwavering, and we enthusiastically encourage applicants from all walks of life to join our team.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for carrying out the duties of a Competent Professional Authority (CPA) within the local WIC program.
• Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments, determines and documents nutritional risk, and develops and follows up on care plans for high-risk participants.
• Ensures accurate certification of eligible applicants and appropriately assigns and tailors WIC food packages to meet individual participant needs.
• Supports the implementation of the local agency's nutrition and breastfeeding promotion and support plan, contributes to meeting state and local program objectives, and provides individualized and group nutrition education, counseling, and breastfeeding support.
• Coordinates referrals to appropriate health and community resources to enhance participant well-being.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of nutrition science, maternal and child health, and public health principles.
• Knowledge of breastfeeding promotion, support strategies, and lactation best practices.
• Knowledge of dietary assessment methods and nutrition counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of WIC program policies, procedures, and federal/state regulations.
• Knowledge of community health resources and social service programs that support family well-being.

Skills

• Skill in conducting nutrition assessments and interpreting dietary, anthropometric, and health data.
• Skill in providing culturally responsive one-on-one and group nutrition education.
• Skill in promoting and supporting breastfeeding using evidence-based approaches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse families.
• Skill in maintaining accurate documentation, organizing workflow, and managing caseloads.
• Skill in using electronic health records and WIC management information systems.

Abilities

• Ability to build trust, respect, and rapport with participants from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Ability to tailor nutrition counseling to individual needs, health conditions, and family circumstances.
• Ability to identify participant needs and connect families with appropriate community resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing program requirements, guidelines, and public health priorities.
• Ability to support community health initiatives and contribute to positive outcomes for families.

Job Qualifications and Licensing

A bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition, Community Nutrition, Nutrition Education, or Nutritional Sciences from a four-year institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body. Preferred qualifications include Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credentials or eligibility through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Commission on Dietetic Registration; state licensure or certification as a nutritionist/dietitian, if applicable.

OR

A master's degree in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Home Economics with a concentration in Foods and Nutrition from an institution accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body.

Applicants who hold a master's degree in nutrition but do not possess a bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition must have successfully completed equivalent coursework at the graduate level to fulfill any subject-matter requirements not completed during undergraduate study.

The Town of East Hartford is an equal opportunity employer.