Senior Nutritionist (DOH/PHD/WIC #11754)

Salary: $27.37 - $41.06 hourly / $56,931 - $85,396 annually. This position is classified as Pay Band C7.

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. This role screens applicants to determine eligibility by assessing income, residency, and nutritional risk, prescribes food packages, and provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and certification of applicants/participants, including health assessments, breastfeeding evaluations, anthropometrics (height, weight, hemoglobin), and immunization status.
• 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 tailored to participant needs.
• 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.
• Support program operations by meeting caseload goals, traveling to clinics, conducting outreach, and providing customer service.

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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Must possess or obtain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico within six (6) months of hire.

Skills

• Bilingual (English and Spanish) is highly valued.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for educating participants and collaborating with colleagues.
• Cultural competence to serve a diverse population.
• Organizational skills to manage participant files, documents, and clinic schedules.
• Problem-solving skills to identify nutritional issues and develop effective strategies.
• Proficiency in WIC-specific computer systems and MyWIC apps.
• Commitment to staying updated on nutrition research and incorporating new knowledge into practice.

Working Conditions

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