Nutrition Counselor

Nutrition Counselor

Kids Are Our Everything.

Our Centers are the largest providers of pediatric primary care services in Washington, D.C. We are proud to offer community-focused, culturally competent care. We work to build healthy communities by delivering care through our health centers, clinics and mobile health services.

Our pediatric team's passion is providing expert care for every need and every developmental stage for newborns, toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers and young adults. We're here to help your child build the foundation for a lifetime of good health.

About the Role:

The Nutrition Counselor is a paraprofessional support role responsible for providing essential services to WIC participants. Key duties include screening for program eligibility, assessing and documenting nutrition risk factors, delivering nutrition and breastfeeding education to low-risk participants, identifying the need for individual care plans, and making referrals to health and social service providers. The counselor also ensures appropriate follow-up is completed as needed. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities. The Nutrition Counselor works under the supervision of a designated higher-level staff member with credentials as a Competent Professional Authority (CPA) or higher (e.g., Nutrition Coordinator, Breastfeeding Coordinator, or Program Director).

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED High School Diploma or GED with 3 years' experience in WIC or other public health setting (Required) Or

Bachelor's Degree Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in nutrition, Public Health, Community Health, Dietetics, Health Sciences, or a related health field (Required)

Minimum Work Experience:

2 years High School Degree or GED with 2-3 years of experience in WIC or other public health setting. (Preferred) Or

0 years A Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Community Health, Dietetics, Health Sciences, or a related health field. This educational background qualifies the individual to function as a CPPA, capable of delivering participant-centered education, assessing nutrition risks, and supporting individualized care (Preferred)

Required Skills/Knowledge:

Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite-Word, Excel, Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred). Ability to learn and apply new technology and skills

Detail oriented, ability to multi-task, and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Excellent customer service, time management skills and ability to follow through

Ability to work well independently in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Complete WIC para-professional competency training with a passing grade upon hiring within 90 days

Required Licenses and Certifications Must complete State Agency-required training with a passing grade on an administered exam upon completion of training. 90 Days (Required)

Functional Accountabilities:

• Conduct preliminary screening of applicants to determine WIC eligibility (e.g., income, residency, categorical requirements).
• Gather and document anthropometric and health data (e.g., height, weight, hemoglobin) to assist in nutrition risk assessment.
• Identify and document low-risk nutrition concerns under supervision of a CPA.
• Accurately enter participant data into WIC MIS systems and maintain up-to-date records.
• Provide individualized and group education to low-risk participants on nutrition, healthy eating, and breastfeeding basics.
• Tailor educational messages using approved WIC materials and participant-centered counseling techniques (e.g., VENA approach).
• Refer participants to WIC nutritionists, breastfeeding staff, or other CPAs for high-risk concerns.
• Connect families to external health and social services as appropriate (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, housing support).
• Issue WIC food benefits to participants using agency protocols.
• Schedule follow-up appointments and ensure participants receive continuous care.
• Uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct when reviewing participant documents and determining program eligibility.
• Ensure all documentation, including participant notes, eligibility assessments, and appointment logs, is accurate, complete, and truthful.
• Never falsify or alter records, participant information, or eligibility criteria for any reason.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of participant information and comply with HIPAA and WIC program privacy standards.
• Avoid any behavior that may constitute fraud, misuse of benefits, or misrepresentation of participant needs.
• Participate in ongoing training to stay current with federal, state, and local WIC policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with CPAs, nutrition coordinator, WIC Director, and other team members to support participant outcomes.
• Maintain a respectful, collaborative, and professional demeanor in interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written formats, including proper grammar and tone in emails and documentation.
• Respond to emails, voicemails, and referrals in a timely manner to ensure continuity of care and uphold WIC program standards.
• Represent the WIC program with professionalism in all internal and external communications.
• This position may include additional responsibilities as deemed necessary by the WIC Director. Employees are expected to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to support the needs of the program. Duties and tasks may be adjusted based on program priorities and operational needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:

• Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds without assistance on a regular basis (e.g., transporting supplies, boxes of formula, or educational materials).
• Mobility: Ability to move freely between offices, clinics, and outreach event locations, including walking, standing, and occasional bending or reaching.
• Computer Use: Must be able to sit for extended periods while using a computer, participating in virtual meetings, or completing documentation and reports.
• Travel: Occasional local travel required between clinic sites or to community events; must be able to operate a personal vehicle if needed.
• Environmental Conditions: Work may be performed in a typical office or clinic setting, with occasional exposure to varying temperatures or crowded event environments.
• Flexibility and Task Assignment: Must be able to adapt to changing priorities and accept assignments as needed at the discretion of the WIC Director and other clinic leadership, which may include cross-coverage, special projects, or support at alternate clinic sites.

Benefits That Support You:

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Why Join Us:

• Nationally Recognized Excellence Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children's Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Leading Pediatric Care One of the largest and most comprehensive children's hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments.
• Innovation & Research A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.
• Mission-Driven Culture Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams.