CONSUMER SCIENCE SPECIALIST

About the role

The Consumer Science Specialist provides individualized nutritional counseling and guidance to clients across Arkansas to promote healthier eating habits and improve overall health outcomes. This position involves assessing clients’ nutritional needs, creating personalized nutrition plans, offering dietary recommendations, and helping individuals navigate challenges related to food and nutrition. The role also supports public health initiatives aimed at reducing diet-related diseases and improving public awareness of healthy eating practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one nutritional counseling sessions to assess dietary habits and health conditions.
• Develop customized nutrition plans based on individual goals such as weight management, disease prevention, or management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• Support state-level public health nutrition programs, including outreach and education efforts to improve 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.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, tracking progress and ensuring all nutritional advice and interventions are well-documented.
• Report on client outcomes and the effectiveness of nutrition programs to relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct thorough nutritional assessments, including reviewing medical history, lifestyle, and current eating habits.
• Provide science-based recommendations for improving nutrition, managing food allergies or intolerances, and maintaining balanced diets.
• Educate clients about balanced nutrition and its impact on health, including digestion, immune function, and chronic disease prevention.
• Assist clients with managing chronic health conditions through targeted nutritional strategies and ongoing support.

Knowledge and Skills

• 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 and establish trusting relationships with clients.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach when working with individuals facing emotional, social, or economic challenges related to health and nutrition.
• Ability to assess unique nutritional needs and develop individualized plans that account for 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 macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary patterns.
• Familiarity with the latest nutritional guidelines and recommendations from the USDA and other health agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple client caseloads and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records, schedule appointments, and manage documentation.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or a related field is required.

Additional Preferences

• Active certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor or similar lactation support certification preferred.
• Experience with electronic health records or other electronic patient/client management systems preferred.

Frequent in-state travel is required. A valid driver’s license is required. Occasional work outside of standard business hours may be required.