Nutritionist | PUBLIC HEALTH Nutrition Consultant III; Specialist

Position: Nutritionist | PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION CONSULTANT III (SPECIALIST) The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) has been part of the nation’s nutrition safety net for 50 years. Extensive research has found WIC to be a cost-effective investment that leads to healthier infants, more nutritious diets, health care for children, and subsequently higher academic achievement for students. WIC helps families receive healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other community services. Like other divisions within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), WIC builds its program by addressing social determinants of health. WIC impacts the life course by promoting health practices that can ultimately improve life outcomes often experienced by vulnerable communities. WIC serves babies and children up to age five, pregnant women, and new mothers. Dads, grandparents, foster parents of young children, and working families are welcome at WIC too! Monthly, nearly one million WIC participants can find support at one of 84 local agencies which offer services at more than 500 sites throughout California. WIC participants can redeem their food benefits at approximately 3,800 grocers that are authorized to serve WIC families. In 2019 - 2020, the WIC Division implemented an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card called the California WIC Card and a new management information system known as WIC WISE, that allows WIC participants to be served more efficiently. The CDPH WIC Division works continuously to improve its operations and system to better support families and its partners. About the CDPH/WIC Family Over 200 state staff work at CDPH’s WIC Division, headquartered at the Natomas campus in Sacramento. WIC is committed to a hybrid workforce and the state provides a modest stipend for those who fully and partially work from home. Staff are provided with a computer or laptop, camera, and large screen to conduct their work. We build our unit teams virtually and maintain contact with stakeholders by being on camera to solidify our relationships. The WIC Division is led by senior managers administering a Local Policy and Health Programs Branch, Local Services Branch, Vendor Management Branch, Communications, Food, and Vendor Policy Branch, Data and Integrity Branch, Systems Integration Branch, and the Operations team. Through these branches, our support staff, analysts, specialists, researchers, and nutritionists serve the needs of WIC families, supports our program partners, and ensures the California WIC Program is administered appropriately and effectively. CDPH is an E-Verify Employer The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year. Department Website: This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by advancing the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. As an employee of the Local Services Branch, the selected candidate serves as part of a team that provides support, training, and implements local and statewide policies which protect and serve the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program participants and local agencies. Responsibilities • Provide expert technical assistance to local WIC agencies on nutrition services, operations, and best practices. • Monitor agency adherence to the WIC Policy and Procedures Manual (WPPM), Nutrition Services Plan (NSP), and Nutrition Services Standards; conduct on-site evaluations and recommend corrective actions. • Develop and implement statewide education, breastfeeding, and training campaigns, including Participant-Centered Services, WIC Web Information System Exchange (WISE) education areas, WIC Nutrition Assistant training, and the California Baby Behavior Campaign. • Research medical and behavioral literature, which includes the design and revise curriculum, educational materials, and staff training modules. • Prepare reports, memoranda, and budget proposals on complex public health nutrition topics. • Provide legislative bill analysis on nutrition and breastfeeding issues to inform policy decisions. • Evaluate local agency… Apply tot his job