MightyRecruiterNutritionists evaluate and promote good health among their clients, both public and private, through food. Nutritionists may work as private consultants or as employees of institutions with food service-related divisions, and some work as researchers or meal planners. They may specialize in the management of specific health issues through nutrition or simply advocate the benefits of a healthy diet in general.
As you begin writing your nutritionist job description, make a list of qualities your candidate should possess, such as organizational, listening and problem-solving skills. Public speaking, educational and coaching skills are also vital to this role.
Depending on the location of your company, any nutritionist you hire may be required to be licensed by the state and complete continuing education hours every five years to maintain that licensure. To find out more about what to include in your nutritionist job description, look closely at the example below.
Nutritionist Job Summary
Are you a certified nutritionist with a passion for helping others achieve optimum health? Our clinic is looking for someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of our community members by educating them about basic nutrition. As a nutritionist on our health advocacy team, you would be working with a small group of like-minded health professionals to share the joy of fresh, nourishing food with local families. Our programs, which you would help to organize and staff, include both one-on-one nutrition counseling and group events like Friday Night Cooking Class and our annual summertime Healthy Harvest Expo.
Job Responsibilities
- Read and evaluate research in the field of nutrition to share with the team and incorporate into your practice
- Meet with community members to assess their nutritional needs, taking into consideration any preexisting health conditions
- Work closely with physicians, both inside and outside the team, to provide the best care and nutrition recommendations to clients
- Counsel families and individuals about nutrition-related issues, ensuring that they have the knowledge and understanding required to implement their prescribed nutrition plans when they leave the clinic
- Follow up with clients to ensure they have the tools and resources to stick with their nutritional programs
- Coordinate and staff ongoing events, such as Friday Night Cooking Class and Healthy Moms and Tots, following up with participants and encouraging completion of feedback forms
- Coordinate and staff annual or quarterly events, such as Healthy Harvest Expo, Heart-Healthy Holidays, Food Storage 101 and Brown Bag Basics
- Represent the clinic in public, including giving interviews and providing expert opinions on community health issues
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor’s degree
- State certification and licensure
- Previous experience managing or coordinating a comprehensive nutrition program in a public setting
- Ability to work with others on a daily basis
Preferred:
- Familiarity with office software applications
- Database management experience
Nutritionist Job Responsibilities
One of the most substantial portions of your nutritionist job description is the section where you outline the position’s key responsibilities and tasks. Jobseekers must know what you’ll expect from your new hire, so your content needs to be both engaging and coherent to communicate this information to prospective candidates and draw their interest.
To enhance readability and quickly impart information jobseekers want, you’ll need to follow some vital best practices when crafting the job responsibilities section. It’s tempting to pack in a lot of details to enhance a reader’s comprehension, but an effective writer limits this section to between six and eight core duties. Moreover, you should format these statements in bullet points with no periods at the ends to help jobseekers find such information quickly and easily. Finally, don’t forget that job hunters want an explicit picture of what they’ll do if selected for the job. Otherwise, qualified applicants may bypass your job posting. To gain their interest, employ strong action verbs when writing this part of your nutritionist job description.
Here are just a few examples of nutritionist job responsibilities
- Meet with clients to assess their nutritional and health needs
- Construct recommendations and meal plans
- Follow up with patients regularly and track their progress
- Educate individuals and groups on healthy eating, good nutritional habits and best practices to manage specific conditions
Nutritionist Job Specifications
Nutritionists are a unique set of professionals who have expert training and knowledge that makes them invaluable to individual patients and organizations alike. However, no two candidates possess the exact same qualifications. To recruit professionals who are best suited for your job opening, you’ll also need to spell out the career and educational backgrounds necessary to perform the job.
Before you start writing your nutritionist job description, consult with the direct supervisors or hiring managers for the position. Together, you’ll need to create a list of essential items for the job skills and qualifications section. Some abilities, schooling and work experience will be vital for a new hire’s success, while others are bonus qualifications that can go on your “preferred” list. Be sure to indicate in your nutritionist job description which qualifications are your minimum requirements. If you write clear, understandable text, you’ll help potential candidates determine whether they meet your expectations.
If you run into difficulties composing this section, try adapting some of these nutritionist job specifications to your own document:
Bachelor’s degree or greater in nutrition, dietetics or a related discipline Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities Strong active listening, communication and interpersonal skills At least 2 years of experience in an outpatient wellness program
