Dietitian/Nutritionist

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage Sick & Vacation leave Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually) Fitness Centers in select locations Employee discounts with the Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The positions (K0243847 & K0237521)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is recruiting Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists for two state-level nutritionist positions for the Kansas WIC Program. 

Position K0237521 serves as the Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Kansas WIC Program. This person provides leadership and direction to WIC’s breastfeeding initiatives. Related responsibilities include: Develops goals, tracks progress and uses data to report on accomplishments as well as develops training materials for local WIC agency personnel including orientation and continuing education. Other tasks include program planning, evaluation, policy development, and collaboration with state and local programs, particularly related to breastfeeding promotion and support. 

Position K0243847 serves as the Nutrition Education Specialist for the Kansas WIC Program. This person provides leadership and direction to WIC’s nutrition education work. Related responsibilities include: Develops the statewide plan related to client nutrition education, including topics, materials, delivery methods, etc. Develops NWS nutrition education materials, lesson plans, and campaigns as needed.

Also, both positions serve as the lead contact for assigned local WIC agencies. Related responsibilities include: Conducts evaluations of assigned local WIC agencies as part of a two-person team. Assesses local agency compliance with State policies and procedures and Federal regulations governing the operation of the WIC program. 

Positions are located in the State WIC office in Topeka. Remote work time may be approved. Positions have benefits and many opportunities for professional development. Experience with WIC and maternal, infant, and child nutrition is preferred but not required.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

K0237521: Provides leadership and direction to the Section's breastfeeding promotion and support initiatives. Develops goals, tracks progress and uses data to report on accomplishments. Plan breastfeeding portion of section’s annual budget. Works with the Training Coordinator to develop training materials and delivery methods for local WIC agency personnel related to breastfeeding. Develops or selects written materials for use with local agency staff and clients. Oversees local agency breastfeeding special projects. Manages the breast-pump program. Manages the Curtis Building lactation room. Manages the breastfeeding component of the MCH Block Grant. Works together with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator on breastfeeding issues.

K0243847: Develops the statewide plan related to client nutrition education, including topics, materials, delivery methods, etc. Plans client nutrition education portion of section’s annual budget. Manages WIC pamphlet library to distribute materials for local agency use with clients. Manages “electronic pamphlet library” for local agency use. Reviews nutrition education materials developed by outside entities for accuracy, reading level and professional appearance; justifying need for materials; recommending materials for purchase; ensuring adequate quantities of educational materials are available. Develops NWS nutrition education materials, lesson plans, and campaigns as needed. Develops guidance for the Local Agency Nutrition Services Plans. Prepares the Nutrition and WIC Update newsletter by coordinating articles from WIC staff and other sources. Facilitates and organizes the work of the Nutrition Education Committee. Works with the Training Coordinator to develop training for local WIC agency personnel related to nutrition education.

Qualifications

Education : Master’s degree in dietetics, foods/nutrition, or public health nutrition. Licensing & Certification: Valid Driver's License - Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver's license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State. Dietetic License with the appropriate Kansas State Agency within six weeks of job acceptance. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in dietetics, foods/nutrition, or public health nutrition. Registered or eligible for registration as a Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: 3 years of experience as a dietitian including experience working with breastfeeding dyads from a variety of cultures, working in a public health or community setting. 3 years of experience as a dietitian including two years of experience of in a community or public health program. Experience communicating with various audiences, both verbally and in writing. Experience in compiling data and composing presentations. Experience interpreting and presenting health topics related to nutrition and lactation. Some type of credential related to breastfeeding education and support. Knowledge of maternal, child and clinical nutrition. Experience with the WIC Program. Knowledge of the WIC Program. Public speaking and training. Experience developing nutrition education materials of various types. Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public. Ability to take professional initiative to achieve set goals and objectives. Ability to read and understand documents written at the university level. Ability to remember facts, numerical data, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to use critical thinking and make judgments based on both facts and situational information. Proofreading, editing, attention to detail. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access. Post -Offer, Pre-employment Requirements : Dietetic License with the appropriate Kansas State Agency within six weeks of job acceptance.

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