Nutrition Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Cross-Trained WIC Program & Nutrition Assistant (CPA I / CPA II Eligible)

Department: WIC Program

Reports To: Program Director, Assistant Director, and Senior Nutritionist

Location: Multiple WIC Clinic Sites as Needed

Position Summary

The Cross-Trained WIC Program & Nutrition Assistant provides both administrative and nutrition service support to participants of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. This position combines front-desk program operations with nutrition care responsibilities for low-risk participants. The role supports participant intake, certification processing, benefit issuance, and scheduling while also delivering nutrition assessment, education, and counseling services after achieving Competent Professional Authority (CPA) certification.

The position ensures efficient clinic flow while maintaining compliance with federal and state WIC regulations. Staff in this role work collaboratively with nutritionists, program leadership, and other WIC staff to deliver high-quality participant services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Operations and Administrative Support

1. Perform reception and front-desk operations including:

· Answer and direct incoming phone calls.

· Screen applicant inquiries for preliminary eligibility.

· Schedule and reschedule participant appointments and conduct reminder calls.

· Greet participants and direct them to appropriate staff.

· Monitor participant flow and assist in managing waiting areas.

· Complete clerical and administrative tasks as required.

1. Process participants for certification and recertification following program protocols, including:

· Verification of identity, residency, income, and participant category.

· Accurate data entry and documentation in the WIC management information system.

· Educating participants on WIC program rights and responsibilities.

· Providing guidance on approved foods and use of WIC benefits at authorized vendors.

· Issuing required notifications related to certification status, missed benefits, or program eligibility.

1. Support benefit issuance including:

· Issuing and reissuing WIC food and formula prescriptions.

· Maintaining secure control of WIC card stock and benefit materials.

Nutrition Services (CPA I / CPA II Responsibilities)

Upon completion of the required training program and achievement of CPA status, the employee will provide nutrition services to low-risk WIC participants.

CPA I Responsibilities

Provide nutrition care for low-risk child participants, including:

• Collection of anthropometric and hematological measurements.
• Completion of dietary and nutritional risk assessments.
• Assignment of appropriate WIC food packages.
• Provision of nutrition counseling and participant education.
• Documentation and nutrition data entry in the WIC management system.
• Referral to health care providers and social service agencies when appropriate.
• Follow-up nutrition education and participant support.

CPA II Responsibilities

After completing CPA II certification, provide nutrition services to low-risk participants in all WIC categories including infants, children, prenatal, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals. Duties include:

• Comprehensive nutrition assessments and counseling.
• Food prescription assignments and adjustments.
• Nutrition and breastfeeding education.
• Documentation and data entry.
• Referrals to community health and social service programs.
• Delivery of follow-up nutrition education services.

Program Support and Quality Activities

• Assist in developing and preparing nutrition education materials.
• Support group nutrition education activities when applicable.
• Participate in program quality assurance and compliance activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinic operations.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or G.E.D.
2. At least one year of general office or administrative experience with strong computer skills.
3. Experience in health care, public health, community programs, or social services preferred.
4. Interest in nutrition, health education, or community health.
5. Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
7. Sensitivity to the needs of WIC participants.
8. Ability and willingness to work at multiple clinic sites and during scheduled clinic hours.

Required Training

Employees in this position must complete and obtain acceptable status in:

• CPA I Training Program
• CPA II Training Program (as required by program operations)

Certification is required after independently performing CPA-level nutrition services.

Supervision and Evaluation

The Cross-Trained WIC Program & Nutrition Assistant works under the supervision of the Program Director and Assistant Director for administrative duties and under the Senior Nutritionist for nutrition service responsibilities.

Performance is evaluated annually. Nutrition service delivery skills may be observed regularly using the Counseling Evaluation Guide to assess competency and identify training needs.

SALARY $19.00 PER HR