WIC Nutrition Educator/Competent Professional Authority (CPA)

Job Summary:

The primary role of the WIC Nutrition Educator/Competent Professional Authority (CPA) is to carry out the goals and objectives of the WIC Program by delivering program services in compliance with federal, state, and Local Agency (LA) policies and procedures. The WIC Nutrition Educator is responsible for determining program eligibility and documentation of nutrition-related activities, such as health screening, nutrition education, and referrals to internal and external resources/agencies as appropriate. The Nutrition Educator will perform with a high degree of customer service and empathy.

Required Skills and Abilities:

· Must be able to work with low-income families and children.

· Must be able to operate a PC and related word processing, database, spreadsheet and custom software.

· Must be flexible, dependable, possess critical thinking skills, and be detail-oriented.

· Ability to work with general direction and minimal supervision as well as part of a team.

· Must possess strong communication and people skills, both verbal and written.

Required Criteria to Qualify for this Position:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Nutrition Science, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Home Economics (must have nutrition emphasis), or Nursing. Also acceptable: completion of an Associate Degree program in Dietetic Technology and registered or eligible to be registered as a Dietetic Technician by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

· Valid MN driver’s license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned duty stations.

Preferred:

· Registered Dietitian or Licensed Dietitian

· Experience in nutrition-related activities such as nutrition assessment, nutrition education, and breastfeeding counseling.

· Experience evaluating height, weight, or lab values.

· Experience in a role responsible for referring customers or clients to community resources.

· One-year experience working with families

· Lactation Training

· Motivational Interviewing

· Previous WIC experience

· Bilingual a plus

Specific Responsibilities:

1) SCREEN AND ASSESS WIC PARTICIPANTS

A. Accurately assess client identification, residency and income to determine program eligibility.

B. Obtain, analyze and interpret anthropometric and biochemical data (height, weight, and hemoglobin) in client assessment along with health history, beliefs, knowledge, cultural factors, environmental factors, physical activity and food safety.

C. Assess dietary intake and determine nutritional risk and health concerns.

2) PROVIDE NUTRITION SERVICE AND REFERRALS

A. Present nutrition education appropriate to participants needs based on assessment of health and nutrition.

B. Communicate with participants with consideration for language, cultural and literacy needs.

C. Provide participant-centered nutrition education utilizing written materials, visuals and counseling techniques as appropriate.

D. Determine participant’s food packages.

E. Issue WIC card and ensure WIC participants comprehend program requirements, including but not limited to: provide education and tools for participant to maximize the use of their WIC card and benefits.

F. Provide individualized breastfeeding support, in-person and by phone.

G. Identify clients with high nutritional risk. Develop and follow-up with high-risk nutrition care plans.

H. Acquire medical provider approval for issuing medical formula and appropriate documentation.

I. Document returned formula and follow current policy in disposing of formula.

J. Make referrals to internal and external resources/agencies as needed.

3) CLINIC OPERATIONS

A. Answer phone(s) and assist walk-ins as needed.

B. Process WIC emails, including online WIC application submissions.

C. Gather supplies and set up WIC clinic.

D. Transport supplies to WIC clinics; maintain security of WIC cards in office and clinic sites.

E. Accurately complete client documentation.

F. Use of WIC WINNIE computer program.

G. Participate in outreach activities with community to promote WIC, nutrition, and breastfeeding.

H. Provide and assist with reports as requested.

I. Quarterly clinic scale testing.

J. Assist with scheduling of appointments; phone follow up including but not limited to: missed benefit issuance, missed appointments, nutrition education, breastfeeding education, formula changes, WIC card replacement and documentation as required under federal and local guidelines.

K. Troubleshoot WIC card transaction issues and follow-up with appropriate Help Desk and/or State WIC staff.

4) ASSUMES ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AS ASSIGNED

A. Complete required WINNIE training modules during provisional period.

B. Complete additional training modules for New Staff Training Guide on MDH website.

C. Complete Security Training within 6 months.

D. Complete Civil Rights Training within 6 months.

E. Read Wednesday Updates on a weekly basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25