WIC Registered Dietitian Supervisor - San Diego State University Research Foundation

This position is budgeted for $32.00 - $37.00 per hour and is non-negotiable. 

The SDSU Research Foundation Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is the largest WIC agency in San Diego County, with approximately 80 employees providing a variety of nutrition services to over 26,000 participants monthly. The WIC program is a safety net program that aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care for residents of San Diego County.

Under the direction of the Area Supervisor and Assistant Director of Nutrition Services, the RD Supervisor is responsible for providing individual nutritional counseling and implementation of nutritional care plans to pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women up to six months post-partum and caretakers of infant and children participating in the WIC program.  Provides outreach in the form of community classes, presentations, and events and serves as supervisor for WIC site staff.

The RD Supervisor is responsible for but not limited to:

Nutrition Counseling and Education 65%

Responsible for providing individual and group nutrition education and therapeutic counseling sessions for WIC participants; prepares high risk care plans, nutrition assessments and nutrition care plans.  Certifies clients for participation in the WIC program; issues appropriate WIC food packages to participants; provides counseling and support to breast-feeding mothers; oversees issuance of therapeutic formula.  Provides group education classes, presentations and community outreach.  Maintains community partnerships/relationships with outside programs, Public Health Nurses and Physicians.

Staff Supervision and Clinic Oversight 30%

In the absence of the Area Supervisor, the Registered Dietitian ensures clinic operations are followed and day to day tasks are completed correctly; takes and resolves complaints ensuring participant satisfaction; provides day to day supervision to clinic staff and oversees clinic schedule, assigns work priorities and provides training and follow up on performance issues. Provides guidance to the Degreed Nutritionist and WIC Nutrition Assistant (WNA) with complicated and high risk situations. Updates Area Supervisor and Assistant Director of Nutrition Services on staff performance and employee relations issues; evaluates staff performance. Trains and evaluates interns and students.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 5%

Participates in staff meetings and training as needed; accepts delegation of special assignments under the direction of the Area Supervisor and Assistant Director of Nutrition Services. Will comply with state and local agency breastfeeding policies and competencies. Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health or related field with major coursework in nutrition
• Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian (RD) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
• One-year of experience working as a Registered Dietitian or two-years of experience working with a public health or social services program

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Bilingual in both English and Spanish or Arabic depending on location
• Previous experience working for WIC
• Previous experience in a lead or supervisory role
• Background in exercise science and/or physical activity promotion

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of the WIC Program and community nutrition with emphasis on maternal, infant and child needs
• Knowledge of the science and current practice of nutrition and/or dietetics
• Knowledge of the concept and theories of nutrition and /or dietetics as it relates to growth, development, health or disease
• Knowledge of nutritional and dietary assessment techniques
• Knowledge of the wide variety of policies and procedures integral to the California WIC program
• Knowledge of breast feeding benefits, physiology and procedures
• Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention
• Knowledge of adult centered learning theories as applied to nutrition and health instructional materials
• Knowledge of group and individual teaching and learning principals
• Knowledge of community-based resources and public benefits available to underprivileged and low income people
• Knowledge and competency using MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint Outlook and internet applications
• Ability to promote and/or discuss exercise science and/or physical activity with participants
• Ability to assess nutritional needs of individuals of various social economic backgrounds and provide appropriate counseling
• Ability to interview and counsel participants
• Ability to facilitate group and education sessions and present nutritional information to community and professional groups
• Ability to develop educational/training plans and supporting materials
• Ability to use various communication channels to provide education/training
• Ability to analyze and interpret anthropometric, biochemical and clinical and dietary data
• Ability to analyze problems, gather data and information, evaluate alternative solutions and make recommendations on decisions
• Ability to plan, organize and evaluate a nutrition program or project
• Ability to supervise people, determine work priorities, assign work and ensure proper completion of assignments and provide feedback on performance
• Ability to work around infants and children
• Ability to work within and budget restraints, displaying flexibility, handle multiple work priorities and frequent interruptions in a fast paced environment
• Ability to communicate in a kind, compassionate, friendly and effective manner to all customers, internal and external
• Ability to refer community resources and programs to people in need of assistance
• Ability to interact and communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant, employee and agency records
• Ability to arrive to work on time, understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Ability to relate well to others within the WIC project environment and interact effectively with coworkers
• Ability to be organized, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, good judgment and common sense
• Ability to display sensitivity to ethnically and culturally diverse individuals, communities and organizations

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer/Title IX employer.