WIC Nutrition Services Assistant (WNA Trainee Track)

Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after June 22, 2026.
• Candidates are hired as a Nutrition Services Assistant at $19.00 per hour. The candidate will be trained to become a WIC Nutrition Assistant within 1 year of employment. WNA salary starts at $21.50 per hour.
• Click here for California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements to become a WIC Nutrition Assistant.

The SDSU Research Foundation Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is the largest WIC agency in San Diego County, with approximately 80 employees providing a variety of nutrition services to over 26,000 participants monthly. The WIC program is a safety net program that aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care for residents of San Diego County.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director and Registered Dietitian Supervisor, the WIC Nutrition Services Assistant is responsible for providing a variety of clerical duties in support of WIC program operations; provides customer service to program participants and applicants; educating participants on non-nutrition issues such as program orientation, including the use of food benefits and determines eligibility of WIC participants. This position travels to other WIC Offices in the San Diego region as needed. This position (will) include training for eligibility to become a certified California WIC Nutrition Assistant (WNA).

Responsibilities

The WIC Nutrition Services Assistant is responsible for but not limited to:

Customer Support 50%

Responsible for checking-in participants by determining eligibility, gathering applicant information, verifying income, calculating eligibility for program services, accurately issues food benefits, coordinates and provides service referrals as necessary, obtains participant anthropometric measurements and screens for blood work. May issue breast pumps under the guidance of professional staff.

Group Education and Orientation 25%

Provides orientation information regarding benefit usage to new participants; Leads group education (non-nutrition) to participants on topics such as program orientation and the use of WIC food benefits. Participates in community outreach efforts in local areas.

Clerical Support 20%

Schedules and coordinates WIC appointments; processes and maintains program records, files and documentation; copies, faxes and scans documents; updates and maintains client records; performs WIC WISE data entry and generates reports; maintains inventory control of forms and supplies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 5%

Participates in staff meetings and trainings as needed.


Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the WIC Program and community nutrition with emphasis on maternal, infant and child needs
• Knowledge of group education and adult learning techniques
• Knowledge of anthropometric measurement and blood work screening process
• Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention
• Knowledge and competency using word processing applications, spreadsheets and internet applications
• Ability to interact and communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant, employee and agency records
• Ability to work well in a fast paced environment and to work with a multi-cultural staff and participant population
• Ability to identify errors and missing documentation
• Ability to travel throughout San Diego County and work at various WIC Offices
• Ability to arrive to work on time, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Ability to relate well to others within the WIC project environment and interact effectively with coworkers
• Ability to organize, lead and/or facilitate group discussions/classes
• Highly motivated self-starter, with a high energy level and strong interpersonal skills
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines, detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense
• Sensitivity to ethnically and culturally diverse individuals, communities and organizations
• Ability to comply with state and local agency breastfeeding policies and competencies

Experience and Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1-year of previous WIC experience or Social Services Experience
• Experience leading group discussions

Preferred Education and Special Skills

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Associates Degree in related field

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.