What are the responsibilities and job description for the WIC Professional position at Mid-Sioux Opportunity Inc?
Department: WIC/MH
Reports to: WIC/MH Director
Primary Work Location: Spencer office and traveling WIC clinic sites
Pay Status: Hourly
Eligible for Benefits: Yes
Work Hours: 30-40 hours per week with hours varying according to clinic schedules.
Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- One of the following licenses or degree:
- Dietitian or
- Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Iowa or
- Nutrition Educator which includes the following:
- Registered Dietitian but not licensed in Iowa or
- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Dietetics from an accredited institution, but has not completed a dietetic internship or successful completion of an undergraduate degree in Dietetics and a dietetic internship from an accredited institution, but not completed or passed the dietetic registration exam or successful completion of an undergraduate or
- Graduate degree in Nutrition, Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, or
- Home Economics/Family & Consumer Science Education with emphasis in Nutrition from an accredited institution.
- Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A WIC Professional’s responsibilities may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Function as the Competent Professional Authority (CPA) for determination of program eligibility and certification following assessment of individual anthropometric, biomedical, and dietary data.
- Conduct any or all of the following procedures necessary for determining nutritional risk: measurement of length/height and weight, hemoglobin, and complete the required certification procedures in Focus.
- Complete intake procedures for program applicants: interview applicants to obtain demographic information and determine income eligibility.
- Prescribe food packages and tailor the WIC food package to best meet the participant’s dietary needs.
- Provide nutrition and health education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the participant’s needs and interests in accordance with Program guidelines.
- NOTE: High risk participants must be scheduled for at least one individual education contact by a licensed dietitian. If the initial contact was provided by a licensed dietitian, then the second contact can be provided by any CPA or a licensed dietitian as determined by the licensed dietitian that certified the participant. If the initial contact was provided by a non-Licensed Dietitian CPA, then the second contact must be provided by a licensed dietitian.
- Assure adequate explanation of participant rights and responsibilities to all people undergoing WIC certification.
- Identify and document care plans for low and high-risk participants.
- Refer WIC participants to other health or social services as needed including documentation and follow-up of referrals made.
- Document screening and referrals for lead testing and immunizations.
- Provide breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the participant’s needs and interests.
- Educate WIC participants on the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor services and make referrals as appropriate.
- Document, track, and approve electric breast pump equipment for participants.
- Set up/tear down of traveling clinic stations and load/unload clinic supplies.
- Report equipment and data system issues to the WIC Help Desk.
- Assist with the completion of WIC data system reports and follow-up calls to participants.
- Provide follow-up to participants who complete wichealth.org lessons and complete phone Nutrition Education appointments.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Participate in outreach activities.
- Participate in quality assurance/improvement activities.
- Order and stock nutrition education materials/supplies.
- Communicate with local physician offices to assure completion of WIC Special Formula and Food Documentation form.
- Participate in community needs assessment and/or breastfeeding/nutrition coalitions in the agency service area.
- Communicate or interact with various programs including, but not limited to the following:
Iowa Department of Public Health Department of Human Services
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health I-Smile
Early Head Start/Head Start Public Health Nursing
Area physicians, MCOs and hospital staff Area Education Agency
Lead Poisoning Prevention programs Child Health Specialty Clinics
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies Staff of other WIC contract agencies
- Attend and participate in WIC nutrition/breastfeeding trainings, staff meetings and other conferences which enhance training skills.
- Assist WIC Director with developing the nutrition education and breastfeeding action plans for the WIC grant.
- WIC Professionals must complete training requirements as outlined in state WIC policies.
- NOTE: Full time licensed dietitians must attend at least nine hours of continuing education events per fiscal year. The number of hours planned for part-time staff should be prorated according to the number of hours worked.
- Licensed Dietitians: Provide nutrition assessments/counseling for Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc.’s Head Start/Early Head Start students.
- Licensed Dietitians: Review Head Start menus and make recommendations according to the Performance Standards.
- Registered Nurses: Perform oral health screenings and fluoride varnish applications to Maternal Health clients. Provide oral health education and care coordination services to pregnant women enrolled in Maternal Health.
- Maintain current licensure/professional status.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Perform above duties with reasonable accommodation.
OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation
- Must maintain a good driving record.
- Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check before hire and annually thereafter.
- Submit to a Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records check before hire and every two years thereafter.
- Local travel required.
- Keep work area neat and clean.
- Maintain equipment in good working condition.