Nutritionist

About the role

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts are seeking a qualified candidate for a Nutritionist role. The Nutritionist position provides nutrition services to clients in a variety of settings within the districts.

Responsibilities

• Conducting patient nutritional assessments and evaluations in the clinic, school and community settings
• Develop and monitor nutritional care plans and food packages
• Certifies clients for participation in available public health programs
• Schedules, provides and documents basic and secondary/high risk nutrition education
• Makes referrals to programs such as Medicaid, AFDC, and SNAP benefits
• Acts as the Breastfeeding Coordinator for both districts
• May perform other related administrative tasks
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor
• May be required by VDH to adjust work hours, location, and job duties and participate in training to meet public health business needs, including emergencies
• If this position is designated as a mobile worker, this includes both working in the field and teleworking at an alternate location when not in the field or during an emergency closing. You may be required to periodically come into your assigned office to attend meetings or training

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of nutrition and dietetics and its relationship to public health and regulations/standards for the program
• Knowledge of nutrition principles and an ability to make appropriate nutritional assessments for all age groups, including women, infants and children
• Ability to obtain, interpret, and evaluate data to describe population served and outcomes of nutrition intervention
• Strong communication, organizational and planning skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff members individually and in group settings
• Ability to respond to public inquiry regarding the WIC program
• A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency
• Must meet requirements for use of title Dietitian/Nutritionist as authorized by Code of VA 54.1 – 2731

Preferred qualifications

• Registered Dietitian preferred
• Prior public health experience and/or experience with WIC program preferred
• Experience in lactation counseling preferred
• Breastfeed experience or knowledge preferred
• Breastfeeding credentials preferred

Pay & benefits

• Hiring Range: $45,739.00 - $53,872.79
• This position may be eligible for a one-time sign-on bonus of up to $2,500 for highly qualified candidates, subject to agency approval and completion of all onboarding requirements
• 12 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 for a year period ending 09/30/2026. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.