Responsible for providing nutrition education within the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Provide breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participant prenatally and through their breastfeeding period. Asses, issue and maintain breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Assists in cross training other employees, quality assurance/improvement and outreach. Completes certification process, issues benefits, schedule appointments and makes internal and external referrals for potential WIC participants using the WIC MIS system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs nutrition assessments by obtaining and documenting applicant’s diet and health history in the WIC MIS system. Completes a federally mandated risk assessment, assigns individual food packages and approves medical request for food and formula while maintaining proper documentation. Performs all duties following HHSC and local agency policies, procedures and guidelines.

2. Engages in nutrition education services in various modalities to groups and individuals, to include over the phone and virtual visits.

3. Promotes and provides breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and postpartum mothers. Follow up with breastfeeding mothers throughout the breastfeeding period up to 1 year after birth by resolving common issues, maintaining periodic contact, and making referrals to lactation consultants. Meet with mothers one on one in the clinic, hospital, and at home, as appropriate.

4. Assess the needs and issue breastfeeding equipment and supplies to breastfeeding mother. Educate mother on the proper use of breastfeeding equipment. Maintain breastfeeding equipment and supply inventory. 

5. Complete certification process including activities such as goal setting for nutrition and breastfeeding, reviewing rights and responsibilities, voter’s registration and making referrals to other services, as appropriate. Prepares family benefit issuance and future appointments. 

6. Schedules and monitors client appointments. Screens and documents identification, income and residence status for program eligibility. Assist with phone and front desk coverage.

7. Provides exceptional internal and external customer service. Greets each customer with appropriate introduction and is attentive to participants during peak wait times. Addresses concerns prior to the end of interaction. Assist other departments as appropriate.

8. Accurately obtain and document anthropometric measurements, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and diet recalls. 

9. Ensures compliance with required training to include attending conferences, meetings, and travel. Assists with training other employees, quality assurance/improvement and with outreach.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED required

Currently receive WIC or have received WIC benefits 

Successfully breastfed at least one baby 

College level nutrition courses highly preferred

Basic office skills, including filing typing, computer literacy

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Must complete required State training designed for Formula Certified WIC Certification Specialist, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and other modules within 9 months of hire 

Prior WIC experience preferred

Ability to work in a team environment

Scheduled hours and/or work locations are subject to change

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Finger Dexterity: Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects.

Talking: Frequently conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, or quickly.

Hearing: Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.

Repetitive Motions: Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Visual: Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or other materials.

Physical: Moderate activity; assist staff and monitoring flow. May have to lift folders, files, papers, audio/video equipment, and other such items weighing up to approximately 25 lbs.