Nutrition Assistant
Seattle
Friday, 01 May 2026
The Nutrition Assistant (also called WIC Certifier) will provide services to clients participating in the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program, assess eligibility, and provide nutrition education to individuals and families - both through individual appointments in person and by phone and in a group or classroom setting. The Nutrition Assistant works with a team and closely with Registered Dietitians, Public Health Nurses, Social Workers, Community Health Workers and healthcare workers from community partners. This position works within our WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) team, a part of our Community Health Services Division of Public Health. WIC supports mothers and children through healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to additional resources. WIC is for pregnant individuals, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under age 5. The successful candidates will exhibit excellent customer service skills, have the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with our clients from various cultures, and communicate effectively with English as a Second Language (ESL) clients with the assistance of an interpreter. The candidates will also exhibit flexibility in managing tasks such as teaching classes, providing front desk coverage, along with providing direct WIC services to participant families both in person and remote via phone or video. Background. Temporary opportunity. Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. This TLT is currently anticipated to last through February 27, 2027. However, funding sources for this work remain uncertain and dependent upon decisions actively being made at both the federal and local levels. As a result, the end date of this position may be adjusted based on those decisions. The County and the Department continue to work to secure long term funding sources. This vacancy can also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity. For Special Duty Assignment interest, you must be a Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employee in King County who has completed their initial County probation. You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment. Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months. Commitment To Equity and Social Justice. Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures. The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. To learn more, please visit Work Schedule. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, and hours can vary based on operational need, currently predominately 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; occasional Saturday or evening hours may be required to meet business needs. Non-Exempt and subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (overtime eligible). Work Location. Based out of the Kent Public Health Center, located at 25742 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030 but may be asked to work at other Public Health Centers or community partner sites.
Job Duties
Gather and assess information for determining health and nutrition risk factors, program eligibility, client education, and referrals. Provide group nutrition education and individual nutrition education, which includes breastfeeding support. Obtain and document anthropometric measurements for infants, children and adults, which may include obtaining blood samples for hemoglobin testing. Respond to telephone inquiries – screen, schedule, and interview diverse clients to determine the appointment type and appropriate provider. Document client information and services and manage appointment schedules in electronic record (Cascades) to support the WIC program. Provide direct customer service to a diverse clientele, providing WIC services, issuing and educating on the use of WIC benefits, determining appointment types needed. Conduct WIC outreach and program tasks, such as generating end-of-day reports and client letters and making referrals to other Public Health services. Participate in WIC-related committees, including breastfeeding promotion activities, clinic health and information fairs, and the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Order and maintain program supplies and educational materials. Participate in quality assurance activities. Complete annual WIC training, and continuing nutrition and breastfeeding education requirements. Use Microsoft Outlook and other electronic communication tools to coordinate work and meet training requirements. May be required to lift and lower a child weighing up to 35 pounds onto a surface more than 4 feet high with or without accommodation.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):Demonstrated proficiency in a variety of computer programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Suite – Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to lift and lower a child weighing up to 35 pounds onto a surface more than 4 feet high with or without accommodation. Ability to complete the Washington State WIC paraprofessional competencies within 6 months of hire. Ability to obtain Washington State Medical Assistant-Registered or Phlebotomist certification within 30 days of hire in order to perform hemoglobin/hematocrit testing on WIC participants. Ability to obtain a Washington State food worker card. Must possess a current BLS for Healthcare Providers with AED certification before hire. Ability to apply nutrition and health promotion knowledge/practices in working with clients from diverse backgrounds to make positive changes in health behaviors. Working knowledge of basic nutrition theory and practice, medical terminology, asepsis practices, and universal precautions. Demonstrated ability to provide direct client services in a health care setting. Demonstrated knowledge and skills related to basic cooking and food demonstration techniques. Ability to understand various perspectives and listen to others without conveying judgment. Excellent problem solving, priority setting, and organizational abilities. Commitment to equity and racial justice principles and demonstrated ability to serve clients with cultural humility. The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired):Bilingual in Spanish or other language spoken by most WIC participants. Demonstrated working experience in the WIC program