About the DepartmentThe Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) promotes and protects the health and environment of Pueblo County through prevention strategies, advocacy, partnerships and leadership. We continually strive to ensure a thriving, healthy and safe community. Each employee contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Plan and are important to the achievement of the mission.
Position SummaryThe Public Health Senior Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse position provides leadership and coordination of team-based efforts for the operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office. May assist with other nutrition related grants as needed. Performs professional and supervisory public health nutrition and breastfeeding activities by delivering direct care participant services as well as participating in program planning and evaluation as assigned. Supervises assigned employees in the completion of WIC program activities and in adherence to department policies.
Essential Job FunctionsClinical Nutrition Services•Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using anthropometrics, lab data, health history, medical diagnoses, healthcare provider orders, and dietary practices.
•Develops, implements, evaluates, and follows up on individualized care plans.
•Provides nutrition counseling tailored to income, culture, religion, education, and psychosocial factors.
•Determines and manages follow-up care for high-risk participants.
•Authorizes exempt infant formulas, WIC-eligible medical foods, and tailored food packages.
•Consults with healthcare providers regarding nutritional needs, formula prescriptions, and health concerns; makes referrals and follows up.
•Provides nutrition education through individual and group instruction.
•Utilizes Universal Precautions during hemoglobin testing to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission.
•Uses de-escalation techniques when interacting with clients as needed.
•Conducts low-risk appointments (e.g., callouts, walk-ins, scheduling errors).
Documentation & Compliance•Maintains accurate and timely documentation in electronic charts, including participant concerns, assessments, nutrition education, referrals, progress, and follow up.
•Ensures confidentiality and respectful, empathetic treatment of all participants.
•Assess and report client concerns when warranted as mandatory reporter.
•Reviews, evaluates, and develops nutrition education materials.
•Participates in program planning, development, and evaluation; assists with policy implementation.
Staff Supervision & Mentorship•Supervises and guides WIC Educators; reviews timesheets, approves leave, and ensures compliance with policies.
•Oversees daily duties and workload distribution; adjusts priorities as needed.
•Implements Quality Assurance activities (e.g., chart audits, caseload management, observations).
•Conducts performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and motivates staff.
•Assists with hiring, training, and onboarding of new employees.
•Mentors Registered Dietitians, Registered Nurses, and dietetic interns.
•Oversees special formula ordering process within WIC.
Program Leadership & Collaboration•Supports WIC partnership region staff with coaching and oversight.
•Assists with orientation and training of new WIC staff.
•Facilitates staff meetings and provides nutrition trainings twice per year.
•Promotes teamwork within WIC and across the health department.
•Participates on committees and contributes to a positive workplace culture.
•Reviews, evaluates, and/or develops nutrition education materials; works on assigned nutrition projects.
•Participates in program planning development and evaluation; makes recommendations concerning program activities and policy to WIC Program Manager and assists with policy implementation.
Community Engagement & Communication•Manages and updates social media accounts with relevant nutrition information on a weekly basis.
•Provides education to professionals and community groups.
•Delivers exceptional customer service to uphold Public Health’s image and values.
Emergency Preparedness•Engage in emergency response training and drills in alignment with public health protocols and incident command systems.
Other Duties•Performs additional tasks as needed to support program goals and agency objectives.
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge- Human nutrition in health and disease and its application to public health practices.
- Nutritional needs for infants, children, and women during prenatal, postpartum, and breastfeeding stages.
- Effective counseling and educational concepts and methods.
Skills- Strong interpersonal and ethical communication, both verbal and written.
- Organizational efficiency in managing multiple responsibilities.
- Collaboration and engagement across diverse work styles, backgrounds, and personalities.
Abilities- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, healthcare providers, and community partners.
- Assess nutritional status, design care plans, and counsel participants toward behavior change
- Promote breastfeeding as the optimal choice while respecting participant preferences
- Provide exceptional customer service to foster a positive public health image and professional workplace culture
Qualifications | RequirementsBachelor’s degree required. Must be a Registered Dietitian, registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration or a Registered Nurse (BSN) license to practice in the State of Colorado. Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health or closely related field is preferred. Six months of dietetic or nursing work experience required. Six months of supervisory/program management work experience is preferred. Public health work experience is desirable.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license and be able to provide personal transportation for work-related business. Must obtain annual flu vaccination and any job specific immunizations. May be required to submit to a TB test.
Must complete Certified WIC Authority (CWA) training within 1 year of being hired. Must complete Colorado WIC Lactation Specialist (WLS) training once offered (usually every 2 years) by Colorado WIC State Office.
Work Environment | Physical DemandsWork is typically in an office setting, at a computer for several hours at a time, seated or standing. Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may be required to work beyond normal work schedule on occasion. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule once successful completion of training, working from home and in office at PDPHE.
Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities. May be required to lift and carry up to 40 pounds on an infrequent basis, lift and carry up to 25 pounds on a regular basis, climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to perform routine medical procedures such as hemoglobin checks, operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak fluently and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Repetitive tasks and reoccurring deadlines are the norm and occasional out of town meeting/training may be required. May be called upon to respond to public health emergencies if needed.
