Nutritionist
Description:
Salary : $49,859.46 Annually
Location : Public Health Hickory, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02214
Department: Public Health
Opening Date: 09/12/2025
Closing Date: 9/26/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
Catawba County Public Health is recruiting a compassionate, detail-oriented Nutritionist to support the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. This position plays a vital role in improving community health by providing comprehensive nutrition services to women, infants, and children up to age 5.
Join a team that values collaboration, prevention-focused care, and equity in health outcomes!
Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments and counseling for WIC clients - including prenatal, postpartum, breastfeeding women, infants, and young children
Develop and monitor individualized nutrition care plans
Provide education on nutrition and breastfeeding topics; identify nutrition risk factors and assign risk codes
Consult and coordinate care with physicians, lactation consultants, and other health professionals
Process and document WIC formula prescriptions and manage metabolic formula orders and inventory
Participate in outreach efforts at schools, health fairs, and farmers' markets
Issue WIC benefits, schedule appointments, and provide coverage for general clinic tasks as needed
Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education programs
Qualifications
Master's Degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Nutrition; OR
Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Community Nutrition, and 2 years of nutrition experience; OR
Bachelor's degree in any field, plus Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) credential with the Commission on Dietetics Registration, and 2 years of nutrition experience; OR
Graduation from a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education - approved Didactic Program in Dietetics, and 2 years of nutrition experience; OR
Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetics Registration
Additional Requirements
Strong initiative and the ability to work independently
Excellent organizational skills
High level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Outstanding interpersonal skills and the capability to work with diverse individuals and groups
Team player
This is considered light to medium work; lifting up to 35 pounds
Preferences:
Previous experience in the WIC Program
Applicants who are bilingual in English/Spanish are encouraged to apply
Catawba County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Catawba County Benefits
As of 7/1/2024:
You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:
Health Care
Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.
Employee Wellness
Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee's children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.
Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.
Work Life Balance
Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
Flexible work schedules.
Time off for activities that support our local schools.
Continuing educational assistance.
Discount tickets to recreational venues.
Employee appreciation days/activities.
Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.
Financial Security
Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee's annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).
01
Why do you want to be a Nutritionist in the Catawba County WIC Program?
02
Indicate your experience providing direct client nutrition services after completing an internship or practicum. (This information should be reflected in the work section of your application.)
None
Some (6 months to 1 year)
Considerable (1 - 3 years)
Extensive ( More than 3 years)
03
Indicate your experience providing WIC services. (This information should be reflected in the work section of your application.)
None
Some (6 months to 1 year)
Considerable (1 - 3 years)
Extensive ( More than 3 years)
Required Question