Position Title: Community Health Center Nutritionist

Reports To: Chief People Officer and Operations 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $65,000 - $75,000

Schedule: Hybrid Weekday Only Position. Schedule will require in-office Monday-Thursday on a bi-weekly (alternating weeks only) basis, with Fridays always being remote. 

Prepared/Revised Date: October 2023

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Community Health Center Nutritionist, your role is to provide comprehensive nutrition assessment, education, and support to patients within the community health center setting. You will be responsible for addressing the unique dietary needs of a diverse patient population and be well-versed in available community resources that can enhance your patients' access to healthy and affordable food options. This position requires expertise in nutrition, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to promoting better health outcomes in the community.

This role as a Community Health Center Nutritionist is pivotal in improving the overall health and wellbeing of the community, especially for underserved populations. By combining nutritional expertise with knowledge of available community resources, you play a vital role in addressing health disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Nutritional Assessment and Counseling:
   • Conduct thorough nutritional assessments for patients, taking into account their medical history, dietary habits, cultural preferences, and socioeconomic factors.
   • Develop individualized nutrition plans to address specific health conditions, dietary restrictions, and wellness goals.
2. Community Resource Familiarity:
   • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of local and regional community resources related to nutrition, including food banks, meal programs, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) services, farmers' markets, and other relevant initiatives.
   • Connect patients with appropriate community resources to improve their access to healthy and affordable food.
3. Patient Education:
   • Provide patient-centered nutrition education, ensuring that patients comprehend the importance of healthy eating and its impact on their health.
   • Offer practical advice on meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking techniques to help patients make informed choices.
4. Group Workshops and Seminars:
   • Conduct group nutrition workshops and seminars on topics such as diabetes management, weight loss, and nutrition for specific age groups.
   • Facilitate discussions and activities to encourage community members to adopt healthier dietary habits.
5. Collaboration:
   • Collaborate with other healthcare providers within the community health center, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers, to provide coordinated care.
   • Engage in team-based care to address the complex health and social needs of patients.
6. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
   • Maintain detailed records of patient assessments, progress, and resource referrals, adhering to all relevant privacy and data protection regulations.
7. Community Outreach:
   • Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and available resources.
   • Attend health fairs, community events, and meetings to promote nutritional health within the community.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong knowledge of nutrition science, dietary guidelines, and cultural competency.
• Familiarity with local community resources and agencies that provide food assistance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Empathy and a patient-centered approach to care.

QUALIFICATION:

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years working as a registered dietitian in Virginia.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

State license as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RD/RDN).

SUPERVISION

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical requirements of the position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Travel for this position is minimal.

About Virginia Community Healthcare Association

Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA) is a non-profit membership organization that serves as the primary care association for Virginia’s thirty community health centers and look-alike health centers. Membership in VCHA is open to all Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes operating delivery sites in Virginia. VCHA supports our health centers in their mission to provide access to health care regardless of geographic location or ability to pay.

Connections working at Virginia Community Healthcare Association