WIC Program Assistant

Join a Team That Makes a Difference at Optimus Health Care! Are you passionate about providing high-quality, patient-centered care? Optimus Health Care, the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County, is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team! With multiple locations in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Stamford, our mission is to be a lifelong health care partner, dedicated to achieving optimal wellness for the communities we serve. Join our team-based model of care delivered in a kind and compassionate manner. Position Summary Responsible for being a member of the WIC team, working with Nutritionist, Nutrition Aide and Director of Nutrition Services to ensure the complete and timely client flow and process. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Greet all clients/visitors entering the WIC office while always maintaining a courteous professional attitude. Answer phone and handle calls for general information, rescheduling appointments, lost eWIC cards, etc., as assigned by Director of Nutrition Services. Explain WIC services, benefits, and policies to clients. Assist in the certification of WIC applicants by interviewing, collecting demographic data, verifying identity, residency, and income eligibility, and entering all data into CT-WIC. Assign and replace eWIC cards in accordance with State guidelines. Adhere to Federal and State guidelines when determining an applicant’s eligibility. Make calls to participants for termination, missed appointment, and short certification reports. Schedule participants for nutrition education, initial certification, and subsequent food package changes. Issue WIC benefits, distribute necessary paperwork, and provide ID card, folder, vendor list, and food list to participants. Assist participants with completion of forms (caretaker forms, voter registration forms). Maintain accurate documentation of participant files and records. Maintain participant confidentiality. Provide breastfeeding promotion and support as appropriate. Record hours worked on quarterly time study forms. Assist in preparing materials (e.g., newsletters), visual aids, and activities (e.g., health fairs) in conjunction with local agency staff. Attend and participate in all training and continuing education sessions offered by the WIC Program and State WIC office. Answer phone, direct calls, answer questions, and screen potential participants. Handle appointment scheduling and rescheduling in CT-WIC. Manage the flow of people in the reception area and direct participants to appropriate staff. Keep an adequate supply of referrals and program pamphlets. Monitor reports assigned by Director. Assist Director of Nutrition Services in outreach activities. Verify category, identity, income, and residency to determine WIC eligibility according to Federal and State regulations. Collect and enter participant demographic data. Explain WIC rights and responsibilities to participants. Make required referrals to Medicaid, SNAP, and other non-WIC health services as needed. Explain food list and vendor list to participants as needed. Issue WIC food packages in accordance with Federal and State regulations. Ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and attention to detail in record keeping, scheduling, and follow-up, while maintaining office efficiency. Be responsive to quality assurance feedback from supervisor. Perform other job-related duties as necessary or assigned by the Director. Additional General Requirements Professional attitude, vision, understanding of customer service principles, intuitiveness, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility. Demonstrates a positive work ethic that respects all WIC families of varying socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Communicates effectively with co-workers, WIC families, and community members in a professional and respectful manner. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding WIC families, staff, and program issues in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws. Job Qualifications / Requirements Education: High school diploma or GED equivalency. Experience: At least two (2) years of experience working in a medical office or at least one (1) year of experience working in a WIC setting strongly preferred. Language Skills: Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in English and another language when the Director of Nutrition Services or Program Nutritionist deems appropriate. Licensure / Certification: None required. Mathematical Skills: Basic arithmetic. Reasoning Ability: Ability to deescalate/reason when dealing with irate participants. #J-18808-Ljbffr Optimus Health Care