Senior Nutritionist (DOH/PHD#28246)

This position is a continuous posting and may be used for ongoing recruitment. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

About the role

The New Mexico WIC Program, Department of Health and Family Health bureau safeguards the health of nutritionally-at-risk low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, children, and seniors by providing:

• Nutritious foods to supplement diets
• Nutrition information for healthy eating
• Health counseling and breastfeeding support
• Nutrition and cooking classes
• Referrals to health care providers and social services

Key responsibilities include screening applicants for eligibility, prescribing food packages, providing group and one-on-one nutrition education, identifying high-risk participants for individual care plans, and making referrals to other health and social services.

Responsibilities

• Support program operations by meeting caseload goals through clinic duties, traveling to clinics, outreach at health fairs, and providing customer service
• Perform intake/certification processes, including health assessments, breastfeeding evaluations, anthropometrics (height, weight, hemoglobin), and immunization status checks
• Facilitate nutrition education classes using "Facilitators of Change" – Participant Centered Services (PCS) design
• Provide clinical nutrition assessments and prescribe food packages
• Deliver group and one-on-one nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support
• Identify and implement individual care plans for high-risk participants
• Refer participants to health and social services and provide follow-up
• Document nutrition services, referrals, and follow-ups

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a social, community, health, education, or nutritional field and two (2) years of relevant experience
• Any combination of education and direct experience totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience
• Valid Driver’s License

Skills

• Bilingual (English and Spanish) communication skills highly valued
• Strong written and verbal communication for participant education and collaboration
• Cultural competence to serve a diverse population
• Organizational skills for managing participant files and clinic schedules
• Problem-solving skills to address nutritional issues and promote healthy habits
• Proficiency with WIC-specific computer systems and MyWIC apps
• Commitment to staying updated on nutrition research

Working Conditions

• Office setting with extensive computer and phone usage
• Extended driving and ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, moderate office noise, and varying temperatures
• May require response to public health emergencies during non-traditional hours
• Occasional travel with overnight stays

Pay

$27.37 - $41.06 hourly ($56,931 - $85,396 annually). This position is a Pay Band C7.

Customers

Qualified pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of five (5) years.