Nutritionist

Join the Crossroads YMCA in Northwest Indiana, where we impact 128,000 lives annually, empowering individuals, strengthening families, and uplifting entire communities. We are seeking a Nutritionist to join our Community Health Team. If you are driven to help people on their wellness journey in an enriching and supportive environment, we want you on our team!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Nutritionist is responsible for providing evidence-based nutrition services across the Crossroads YMCA branches. This role focuses on developing and implementing nutrition programs, offering individual and group consultations, and supporting the YMCA's mission to promote healthy living. As a part of the Community Health Department the Nutritionist works collaboratively with the Community Health Director and wellness staff to create comprehensive health initiatives for members and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop and deliver educational workshops, seminars, and cooking demonstrations on nutrition topics.
2. Create engaging nutrition programs for diverse populations, including youth, families, seniors, and special needs groups.
3. Provide tailored nutrition plans for individuals as part of YMCA wellness programs.
4. Collaborate with branch leaders to assess community needs and create innovative nutrition initiatives.
5. Implement scalable nutrition programs that can be adapted across multiple branches.
6. Regularly evaluate the success of existing programs that involve nutrition and provide recommendations for growth or improvement.
7. Foster member engagement by designing interactive and culturally relevant branch-based nutrition activities.
8. Actively contribute to the development, implementation, and promotion of the Y Health + initiative.
9. Collaborate with wellness staff to integrate Y Health + and nutrition services into overall health programming.
10. Track and report on the impact of Y Health + activities, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s strategic goals.
11. Educate members and staff on the components and benefits of the Y Health + initiative and the benefits of healthy food habits.
12. Conduct one-on-one nutrition consultations to assess dietary needs and create achievable goals.
13. Monitor progress and provide ongoing support to members to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
14. Partner with fitness staff and wellness coaches to integrate nutrition into overall wellness initiatives.
15. Work with community partners to extend YMCA's reach in promoting healthy eating habits.
16. Represent the YMCA at health fairs, community events, and educational forums.
17. Develop outreach programs to address food insecurity and promote nutrition education in underserved areas.
18. Maintain accurate records of consultations, program participation, and outcomes.
19. Prepare reports to track program effectiveness and provide recommendations for improvement.
20. Stay updated on nutrition research, trends, and certifications to ensure high-quality services.
21. Actively participate in YMCA and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors’ communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change/ models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Combination of office settings, fitness centers, and community locations.
• Regular interaction with diverse populations in a dynamic environment.
• Always maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Dietetics, or related field required.
2. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in nutrition counseling or program development.
3. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) preferred.
4. CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
5. Experience in community outreach or wellness programming preferred.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse populations.
7. Proficient in creating personalized and evidence-based nutrition plans.
8. Passion for promoting health and wellness in alignment with YMCA values.
9. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.