Nutritionist/CPA-Upper Cardozo(Washington DC)

Job Title: Nutritionist / Competent Professional Authority (CPA) – WIC Program
Location: Washington, DC
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Unity Health Care

Unity Health Care is a mission-driven, federally qualified health center dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive health care services to underserved communities throughout Washington, DC. Through innovative programs and patient-centered care, Unity is committed to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and families across the District.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the WIC Director, the Nutritionist/Competent Professional Authority (CPA) is responsible for the certification, nutritional assessment, counseling, and education of participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. This position provides individualized nutrition services, develops care plans for high-risk participants, promotes breastfeeding, and ensures compliance with federal and District of Columbia WIC regulations. The Nutritionist/CPA plays a key role in improving maternal and child health through education, advocacy, and collaboration with healthcare providers and community resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutritional and health risk assessments for WIC participants.
• Determine participant eligibility and prescribe appropriate WIC food packages based on nutritional needs, cultural preferences, and medical conditions.
• Provide individual and group nutrition education on healthy eating, breastfeeding, maternal and child nutrition, and preventive health.
• Develop and implement high-risk nutrition care plans and provide ongoing counseling and follow-up.
• Coordinate nutritional care with healthcare providers and community agencies to ensure comprehensive services.
• Promote, support, and educate participants on breastfeeding best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and participant records within the WIC Management Information System (CARES/MIS).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and Unity Health Care WIC policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition education programs and outreach initiatives.
• Train and support WIC staff on nutrition-related topics and program requirements.
• Maintain assigned daily caseload goals while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Participate in required trainings, professional development activities, and staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Services, Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• Master's degree strongly preferred.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics preferred, or eligibility to obtain RD credentials.
• Current licensure in the District of Columbia as a Licensed Dietitian or Licensed Nutritionist, or licensure in another state with proof of application for DC licensure.
• Strong knowledge of maternal, infant, and child nutrition principles.
• Excellent communication, counseling, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic documentation systems.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or another language is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to work at multiple Unity Health Care locations as needed.

Why Join Unity?

• Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health of underserved women, children, and families throughout Washington, DC.
• Make a meaningful impact by promoting healthy pregnancies, childhood nutrition, and breastfeeding success.
• Work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team committed to health equity and community wellness.
• Access ongoing professional development, continuing education, and opportunities for career growth.
• Be part of an organization that values compassion, collaboration, diversity, and excellence in patient-centered care.