Job Details

Registered Dietician-Part-Time-Arcata

SUMMARY:

The Registered Dietitian (RD) provides professional nutrition services within the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, and young children. This position delivers medical nutrition therapy, high-risk assessments, and breastfeeding support; develops individualized nutrition care plans; provides culturally responsive education and referrals and issues benefits through WIC Web-based, Information, System, Exchange (WIC WISE). The RD ensures compliance with WIC and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations, supports quality improvement, and serves as a clinical resource for staff and community partners. Working within the purpose and cultural values of United Indian Health Services (UIHS), the WIC RD ensures that services are delivered with professionalism, compassion, and cultural sensitivity while contributing to the overall health and wellness of the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Level I:

• Provide medical nutrition therapy and individualized counseling using the Participant-Centered Education model.
• Conduct nutrition assessments by evaluating dietary habits, health history, anthropometric data, and cultural preferences.
• Develop and monitor individualized meal plans and goals in collaboration with participants.
• Offer tailored nutrition and breastfeeding education throughout the life span, using culturally appropriate approaches.
• Conduct high-risk assessments and provide counseling for participants with complex nutritional needs.
• Tailor and issue WIC food benefits in WIC WISE; document all contacts accurately.
• Serve as a resource for staff on nutrition topics and provide in-service training as needed.
• Assist in developing culturally relevant nutrition education materials and group education sessions.
• Collaborate with WIC administrative staff to coordinate appointments and scheduling for high-risk clients.
• Support and promote breastfeeding through counseling, group education, and coordination with lactation professionals.
• Provide outreach and education to the broader American Indian community and other partner organizations.
• Participate in department meetings, required training, and continuing education to maintain certifications.
• Maintain knowledge of current nutrition science, WIC regulations, and best practices in public health nutrition.
• Ensure all documentation meets UIHS and CDPH/WIC quality, confidentiality, and compliance standards.
• Assist with quality assurance, data tracking, and reporting to support program evaluation.
• Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation/Training per year.
• Must be willing to work with American Indian/Alaska Native people and be sensitive to their culture.
• Performs all duties in accordance with UIHS Purpose, Vision, and Guiding Principles.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Level II: Able to act independently in completing the above duties and:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan for the WIC program.
• Establish and maintain local nutrition protocols consistent with CDPH/WIC and UIHS standards.
• Lead development and review of the Nutrition Services Plan and ensure adherence to federal WIC regulations.
• Oversee and certify WIC Nutrition Assistants; guide their training and ongoing competency development.
• Review and approve locally developed nutrition education materials to ensure scientific accuracy and cultural relevance.
• Develop Individual Nutrition Care Plans for participants with Level 3 and 4 nutrition risks.
• Provide or coordinate medical nutrition therapy for participants referred to by healthcare providers and ensure continuity of care.
• Monitor and audit participant records per the CQI plan to ensure quality and consistency of services.
• Provide advanced consultation to healthcare providers, community partners, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Represent the WIC program in interdepartmental and community collaborations related to maternal and child nutrition.
• Participate in program reporting, data analysis, and preparation of state and local evaluation reports.
• Lead staff education in specialized areas such as perinatal nutrition, lactation support, and chronic disease prevention.

SUPERVISORYRESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All individuals must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of culturally sensitive counseling services to American Indians.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school

Level I

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• Completion of an accredited Dietetic Internship or Coordinated Program in Dietetics.
• Current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential and eligibility for California licensure (if applicable).
• Minimum of one (1) year of clinical or community nutrition experience; WIC or maternal/child health experience preferred.
• Knowledge of WIC policies, nutrition risk criteria, and participant-centered education principles, or willingness to complete CDPH/WIC training upon hire.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally responsive, client-centered counseling within diverse communities.

Level II

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an RD, including at least one (1) year in WIC or public health nutrition.
• Proven ability to coordinate program activities, conduct quality assurance reviews, and mentor WIC staff.
• Experience developing and evaluating Nutrition Services Plans, CQI initiatives, and nutrition education materials.
• Advanced knowledge in areas such as perinatal nutrition, lactation management, and chronic disease prevention.
• Demonstrated leadership in interdepartmental collaboration and community engagement.

COMPUTER OPERATIONS:

• Basic personal computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, PowerPoint, etc.