Nutritionist I

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

This position assesses nutrition risks/needs and determines eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This position conducts initial & re-certification, provides nutrition education as well as assesses biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin measurements and other pertinent labs to determine risk level. This position consults physicians and health care professionals to assess and determine nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. Promotes healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, breastfeeding, as well as other health related messages to the WIC population. Additionally, coordinates with breastfeeding peer counselors to promote optimal health and nutrition for newborns.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Consults with physicians and health care personnel to assess and determine nutritional needs, menus and diet restrictions of individuals.
• Develops, implements and evaluates nutritional care plans for regular and modified diets based on assessments of nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and other current health plans.
• Provides nutritional and/or dietary assessment to educate individuals and their care providers.
• Oversees the quality and quantity of food served to ensure that meals conform to prescribed diets and meet established requirements for nutrient content.
• Provides technical assistance, guidance and direction to food service personnel, health care professionals, agencies, community organizations and the public regarding current nutritional issues, problems affecting an individual's food habits, prescribed diets, and/or food service, presentation and preparation.
• Coordinates nutritional services with other health programs.
• Plans, organizes and conducts training for food service personnel and health care professionals.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports.
• May oversee the work of support staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Nutritionist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Food and Nutrition from a US regionally accredited college or university and coursework approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

This posting may be closed on or before 1/8/2025 upon filling the vacant position(s).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.