WIC Formula/Food Specialist in Austin, TX

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: WIC Formula/Food Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: WIC Salaries 
Posting Number: 13739 
Closing Date: 02/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $6,701.75 - $7,600.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative and technical assistance work on clinical nutrition services to the Texas WIC staff. Work involves planning, coordinating, development, and implementation of formula policies and procedures for the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Functions as an expert content consultant on formulas and medical nutritional products. Provides advance nutrition consultation and technical assistance for children with special health care needs (CSHN) to WIC local agencies and other health and human services agencies throughout the state. Develops and provides training to health professionals on clinical pediatric nutrition including appropriate use of special pediatric formulas. Work is performed under limited supervision of a Manager in the Infant Feeding Branch of the Nutrition Education and Clinic Services (NECS) Unit with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Coordinates and collaborates with program staff in the planning, development, and implementation of food packages including infant formulas and interprets WIC Program policy regarding food packages and formula issuance.  Collects and analyzes Universal Product Code (UPC) information from manufacturers and inputs all WIC approved foods and formula UPC's to the EBT database. Develops, revises, and maintains guidelines for maximum monthly allowances for formulas and food for use in the WIC Program to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Prepares, manages and analyzes the formula authorized product list (APL) database, formula cost, redemption and rebate reports, and makes cost analysis recommendations for formula and medical nutritional products purchased with WIC funds.  Participates in UAT testing for MIS and EBT systems as it pertains to formula-related functionality.  30%

1. Performs highly complex consultative services and technical assistance work to local agency staff and physicians regarding appropriate use of formula and medical nutrition products for infants, children, women and Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHN).  This includes formula requests, approvals/disapprovals, investigating, and resolving complaints regarding the issuance or non-issuance of requested formulas. Assists local agency staff with formula drop shipments (i.e., shipment/receipt of specialized infant formula) and reconciles drop ship orders.  20%

1. Develops, conducts and identifies training needs on food packages, standard formula and therapeutic formula issuance, and infant feeding and formula feeding practices for state and local agency staff, community partners and health care partners.  15%

1. Provides technical assistance and consultative support for the cost containment formula rebate solicitation and contract procurement and serves as a subject matter expert on its contents, scope of work and requirements. Reviews rebate billings for formula prior to submission.  10%

1. Develops, reviews and provides technical assistance on articles for the Texas WIC Express, infant feeding and formula feeding counseling guidelines, nutrition education, infant feeding and formula feeding materials, web content, client facing classes, training, and staff and health care partner resources.  10%

1. Serves as a State Agency Partner to assigned WIC local agencies (LAs). Reviews education materials developed by LA staff to assure that materials reflect policy, accurate nutrition messages, current adult education principles, and cultural acceptability. Reviews annual breastfeeding plans submitted by assigned LAs to ensure compliance with program policies and procedures. Visits LAs to review and evaluate the delivery of nutrition services and provide technical assistance and training, and to evaluate compliance with program policies and procedures and assess staff and participant needs. Responds to requests and inquiries from other state WIC programs, national WIC office, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional office and the public concerning formulas.  Provides presentations to professional and community groups as needed, and analysis of ad hoc reports as requested.  10%

1. Perform other duties assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.  5%

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Nutrition intervention for children with medical needs, including chronic disease, metabolic conditions, developmental disabilities, and other high risk pediatric conditions.

Maternal and pediatric public health nutrition.

Public health nutrition program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Training and marketing techniques.

WIC Federal regulations and the Texas WIC Program.

Skill in:

Organization.

Public speaking.

Use of personal computers, e.g., Word, Excel, database management software, E-mail, etc.

Ability to:

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Handle complaints with tact.

Work productively with a team.

Meet deadlines.

Develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.

Learn various software and or learning management systems.

Evaluate, summarize, and present data in an easy-to-understand format.

Work with groups of people with diverse opinions.

Be flexible.

Work independently.

Handle multiple assignments.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN)

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN)
• At least 1 years' experience in pediatric nutrition or infant feeding
• At least 1-year experience developing and evaluation training either in-person or virtual/computer based
• Master's degree in nutrition or health related field, preferred
• Experience working for WIC at the state or local level, preferred

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.