Senior Nutritionist

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. 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, infant, children and seniors by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition information for health eating, health counseling, breastfeeding support, nutrition classes, cooking classes, and referrals to health care providers and social services.

To screen applicants to determine eligibility by assessing income, residency, and nutritional risk. Prescribes food packages. Provides group and one-on-one nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the identified needs/interests of each participant. Identifies the need for individual care plans and implements them for high-risk participants. Refers participants to other health and social services and provides appropriate follow-up to referrals.

Documents nutrition services provided, including referral and follow-up to referrals.

• Supports program operations by meeting caseload goals in performing clinic duties, traveling to clinics to perform services, outreach to health fairs and other programs to increase caseload, and provide customer service to applicants/participants.
• May provide intake/certification process of an applicant/participant including observation form, health assessment, breastfeeding women/infant evaluations, breastfeeding women/infant/child midpoint assessments; anthropometrics (heights, weights, hemoglobin), and immunization status by asking applicant/participant.
• Facilitate Nutrition Education classes using "Facilitators of Change" - Participant Centered Services (PCS) design.
• May provide clinical nutrition assessments and/or prescribe food packages.
• Provides group and one-on-one nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the identified needs/interest of each participant.
• Identifies the need for individual care plans and implements them for high-risk participants.
• Refers participants to other health and social services and provides appropriate follow-up to referrals.
• Documents nutrition services provided, including referral and follow-up to referrals.

Qualified Pregnant, Breastfeeding and Post-partum women, infants and children - up to the age of five (5) years.

The ability to communicate in both English and Spanish is highly valued; commitment to New Mexico WIC Mission to improve the health of eligible women, infants and children; strong communication skills - written and verbal - to educate participants and collaborate with colleagues and community partners;
Cultural competence is crucial to understand the diverse cultures of a varied population; organizational skills needed to efficiently manage participant files, documents and clinic schedules; problem-solving skills to identify nutritional issues and develop effective strategies to help participants adopt healthy habits and healthy behaviors; proficient technical skills using WIC specific computer system and MyWIC apps; and a willingness to stay updated on nutrition research and incorporate new knowledge into daily practice.

Bachelor's degree in a social, community, health, education, or nutritional field and two (2) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Extended periods of driving and the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds may be required. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and moderate office noise, heat, cold, and smells. Incumbent may be required to respond to Public Health emergencies during non-traditional work hours.

Some travel with occasional overnight stay may be required.

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For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.