Nutritionist Associate

Title: Nutritionist Associate

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate II

Hiring Range: 31930.000 - 38000.00

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: WEST PIEDMONT HQ

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Nutritionist Associate independently determines nutrition eligibility of applicants/clients within program guidelines and independently prescribes appropriate food packages. Assesses nutritional status/eligibility for program services by Nutrition Assessment using VENA technique process/food frequency history, assessing growth patterns, weight patterns, biochemical values and medical history. Independently sets dietary goals based on assessment. Provides patient counseling specific to the individual's nutritional needs. Makes referrals for high-risk counseling with Nutritionist when appropriate. Competent Professional Authority (CPA) training completed within 6 months of hire

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Nutritionist Associate in the West Piedmont Health District!


Come work where the blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable living is at your disposal. The area offers a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming community that has a deep investment in the people who live here. The West Piedmont Health District is mission-driven and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve: Franklin County, Henry County, Patrick County, and the City of Martinsville.


In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDH offers excellent employee benefits including health and life insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.
The Virginia Department of Health offers 13 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life
insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Federal WIC grant. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually. Annual funding cycle October 1 to September 30 of the following year. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications
• Basic knowledge of nutrition and nutritional standards
• Ability to conduct interviews and collect information
• Ability to interpret, document, calculate, and compile routine data
• Experience providing patient education and/or communicating information to individuals
• Good communication skills, verbally and in writing, to interact with a variety of patients, peers, and supervisors
• Ability to work effectively individually and as a team member
• Experience multi-tasking and prioritizing workloads
• Skills using computer systems

Additional Considerations
• Training, job experience, or coursework in Nutrition, Dietetics, food services, or a related area preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred
• Experience obtaining blood samples/finger sticks, and taking heights and weights of individuals

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position.


Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website:

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Contact Information

Name: Eddie McDaniel

Phone: N/A

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer