Nutrition Trainer

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition is seeking a Nutrition Trainer. As an essential member of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC Program), you will be instrumental in the program’s efforts to prepare newly hired staff for their job roles and provide ongoing training to current staff to keep them up to date with policy and procedure changes to the WIC Program. As a Registered Dietitian and/or Licensed Nutritionist, your knowledge of nutrition and breastfeeding will enhance staff counseling and education efforts with program participants. This role blends instructional design, classroom facilitation, and educational media development to ensure staff are confident, compliant, and equipped to meet program goals. Collaboration is central, with regular partnership across nutrition, operations, and leadership teams to align training with policy, quality assurance standards, and evolving program needs.

Beyond delivering instruction, this position plays a strategic role in assessing training effectiveness, identifying gaps, and recommending meaningful professional development opportunities. The role offers the chance to influence statewide training initiatives, contribute to advisory groups and workgroups, and stay at the forefront of nutrition education and public health workforce development. Candidates who thrive in this role enjoy translating complex regulations and nutrition science into accessible learning, building strong professional relationships, and making a measurable impact on program quality and staff success.

Please Note: Registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or a license with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Dietitians and Nutritionists is required.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Develop, implement, and maintain required nutrition and WIC program trainings, procedures, and guidelines to support Nutrition Division and program objectives at The WIC Learning Center.
• Deliver classroom-based and virtual instruction in nutrition education, WIC program operations, certification, breastfeeding, and participant relations, and serve as an adjunct trainer for management, supervisory, customer service, and outreach topics as needed.
• Conduct training needs assessments, forecasting, and course evaluations in collaboration with the training team to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
• Design, update, and revise lesson plans, curricula, and instructional materials based on program requirements, evaluation findings, and best practices.
• Plan and implement training initiatives aligned with statewide quality assurance goals and outcomes identified through Local Program Evaluations.
• Coordinate with Nutrition and Operations units to select appropriate course content, educational resources, and training delivery methods.
• Develop, manage, and curate education modules within a Learning Management System (LMS) to support consistent statewide staff training.
• Provide consultation and technical guidance to Nutrition, Operations, and local WIC staff to identify issues, exchange information, and ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
• Lead and facilitate Training Advisory Group meetings and participate in workgroups and ad hoc committees to support program improvement initiatives.
• Support Nutrition Division planning, implementation, and evaluation activities, respond to training-related inquiries, review relevant literature, and engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in the field.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of human resource management and supervisory principles, including workforce planning, organizational development, work simplification methods, and staff performance oversight.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures while exercising sound judgment and discretion, including the handling of confidential information.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesize data; maintain accurate records; and develop clear, well-structured reports and documentation.
• Proficiency in preparing and using charts, graphs, tables, and written reports to effectively present information and support recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide clear written and verbal instructions, establish rapport, maintain effective working relationships, and adapt to changing program needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the Massachusetts WIC Program at the federal, state, and local level.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the WIC Nutrition Program.
• Knowledge of the basic theories, principles and effective techniques of adult education and motivation as they apply to employee training.
• Knowledge of needs assessment and training evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of the TRAIN Learning Management System is a plus.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

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Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. 4

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  Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!