CONSUMER SCIENCE SPECIALIST

County: Pulaski • City: Little Rock • Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

About the Role

This position serves as the WIC Nutrition Educator for the Central Region within the Division of Local Public Health in Pulaski County. The role is classified as a safety-sensitive position and requires frequent in-state travel. A valid driver’s license is required, and occasional work outside of standard business hours may be needed. Active certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor or similar lactation support certification is preferred, along with experience with electronic health records or other electronic patient/client management systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one nutritional counseling sessions to clients to assess their dietary habits and health conditions.
• Develop customized nutrition plans based on individual goals such as weight management, disease prevention, or the management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• Support and contribute to state-level public health nutrition programs, including outreach and education efforts aimed at improving community-wide health.
• Participate in health fairs, community events, and nutrition workshops that promote healthy eating habits and disease prevention.
• Offer specialized counseling for specific populations, such as pregnant women, infants, children, elderly adults, or those with special dietary needs, tailoring recommendations to address their unique needs.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, tracking progress and ensuring that all nutritional advice and interventions are well-documented.
• Report on client outcomes and effectiveness of nutrition programs to relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct thorough nutritional assessments of clients, including reviewing their medical history, lifestyle, and current eating habits.
• Provide actionable, science-based recommendations for improving nutrition, managing food allergies or intolerances, and maintaining balanced diets.
• Educate clients about the importance of balanced nutrition and how it can improve their health, offering resources on meal planning, portion control, reading food labels, and making healthier food choices.
• Help clients understand how nutrition impacts various aspects of their health, such as digestion, immune function, and chronic disease prevention.
• Assist clients with managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders, through targeted nutritional strategies.
• Provide ongoing support and track progress toward dietary goals.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex nutritional information into simple, actionable advice for individuals with varying levels of health literacy.
• Strong ability to build rapport with clients and establish trusting relationships.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach when working with individuals who may face emotional, social, or economic challenges related to their health and nutrition.
• Ability to assess clients’ unique nutritional needs and develop individualized nutrition plans that account for their preferences, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
• Creative problem-solving to overcome barriers to healthy eating.
• Skilled in delivering personalized nutritional education, addressing client concerns, and motivating individuals to adopt healthier eating habits.
• In-depth understanding of nutrition science, including the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and various dietary patterns.
• Familiarity with the latest nutritional guidelines and recommendations, including those provided by the USDA and other health agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple client caseloads and efficiently prioritize tasks.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records, schedule appointments, and manage documentation.

Pay

Salary Range: $52,137 - $77,163 (Pay Grade: SGS06)