WIC Professional

Department: WIC/Maternal Health (MH)

Reports to: WIC/MH Director

Primary Work Location: Remsen and traveling WIC clinic sites

Pay Status: Hourly

Eligible for Benefits: Yes

Work Hours: 32-40 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 need.
• 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 persons 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.