United Indian Health Se·Arcata, California
The Registered Dietitian provides professional nutrition services within the WIC program, delivering medical nutrition therapy, high-risk assessments, and breastfeeding support to improve the health of women, infants, and young children. Responsibilities include developing individualized nutrition care plans, issuing benefits via WIC WISE, and ensuring compliance with WIC and CDPH regulations.
The Registered Dietitian (RD) provides professional nutrition services within the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, and young children. This position delivers medical nutrition therapy, high-risk assessments, and breastfeeding support; develops individualized nutrition care plans; provides culturally responsive education and referrals and issues benefits through WIC Web-based, Information, System, Exchange (WIC WISE). The RD ensures compliance with WIC and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations, supports quality improvement, and serves as a clinical resource for staff and community partners. Working within the purpose and cultural values of United Indian Health Services (UIHS), the WIC RD ensures that services are delivered with professionalism, compassion, and cultural sensitivity while contributing to the overall health and wellness of the community.
Provide medical nutrition therapy and individualized counseling using the Participant-Centered Education model.
Conduct nutrition assessments by evaluating dietary habits, health history, anthropometric data, and cultural preferences.
Develop and monitor individualized meal plans and goals in collaboration with participants.
Offer tailored nutrition and breastfeeding education throughout the life span, using culturally appropriate approaches.
Conduct high-risk assessments and provide counseling for participants with complex nutritional needs.
Tailor and issue WIC food benefits in WIC WISE; document all contacts accurately.
Serve as a resource for staff on nutrition topics and provide in-service training as needed.
Assist in developing culturally relevant nutrition education materials and group education sessions.
Collaborate with WIC administrative staff to coordinate appointments and scheduling for high-risk clients.
Support and promote breastfeeding through counseling, group education, and coordination with lactation professionals.
Provide outreach and education to the broader American Indian community and other partner organizations.
Participate in department meetings, required training, and continuing education to maintain certifications.
Maintain knowledge of current nutrition science, WIC regulations, and best practices in public health nutrition.
Ensure all documentation meets UIHS and CDPH/WIC quality, confidentiality, and compliance standards.
Assist with quality assurance, data tracking, and reporting to support program evaluation.
Must be willing to learn more about the American Indian culture and attend at least one Cultural Presentation/Training per year.
Must be willing to work with American Indian/Alaska Native people and be sensitive to their culture.
Performs all duties in accordance with UIHS Purpose, Vision, and Guiding Principles.
Other duties may be assigned.
• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All individuals must demonstrate a commitment to the provision of culturally sensitive counseling services to American Indians.
Education/Experience: Educational degrees must be from a US Department of Education accredited school
• Basic personal computer skills, including email, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, PowerPoint, etc.
Level I requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, completion of an accredited Dietetic Internship, and current RDN credential with at least one year of clinical or community nutrition experience. Level II requires a minimum of three years of progressively responsible RD experience, including one year in WIC or public health nutrition, along with proven abilities in program coordination and quality assurance.
Market context
In California, part-time registered dietitian roles are often driven by ongoing needs in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and community nutrition programs. These positions can be competitive because employers usually look for current RDN credentials, relevant clinical or community experience, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with care teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then confirm the internship, experience, and credential details before applying.