WIC Nutrition Specialist

WIC Nutrition Specialist

Provides support to the WIC Program by performing clerical and nutrition paraprofessional tasks. This position is based at the permanent WIC site, with travel to temporary and other sites as needed based on the clinic schedule. Carries out all duties in accordance with Federal, State and Local Agency (LA) WIC Program policies and procedures.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Balances multiple responsibilities including accurately determining categorical, income and residential eligibility and documents directly into the NYWIC electronic system.
• Identifies applicant household size and members using critical thinking; assesses income eligibility using the participant-centered interview approach.
• Provides high quality participant-centered services via telephone and face to face.
• Completes, collects, and reviews materials to enroll, certify, update, and maintain participant records.
• Completes portions of the nutrition and health assessment including HCT, height, and weight screenings.
• Provides WIC Program orientation to participants including an explanation of the program, participant's rights and responsibilities, appropriate use of WIC benefits and directs them through the appointment process.
• Provides participants with program materials, educational resources, program eligibility and tools for accessing WIC benefits.
• Assists in authorization and distribution of benefits including using appropriate electronic systems, verbalizing key points of Participant Rights and Responsibilities.
• Provides informed decisions based on WIC Policies and procedures and when to defer to the supervisor.
• Provides clinical support to the QN/CPA in the nutritional assessment process, in a participant-centered manner.
• Supports the QN/CPAs in planning, executing, and evaluating participant-centered nutrition education.
• Assists participants with completion of required documentation such as NYS Voter Registration, installing the WIC2Go App etc.
• Provides appropriate internal and external referrals Agency/community to participants in order to meet non-WIC related needs.
• Manages appointments for participants and follows-up on no shows.
• Promotes and supports breastfeeding and nutrition education in a manner that is consistent with both WIC regulations, policies, and initiatives and the mother's feeding decisions.
• Provides assistance with tracking and correspondence regarding breast pumps.
• Independently performs community outreach to increase community awareness of eligibility and services provided by WIC.
• Maintains familiarity with county resources and the network of agencies that provide services to the WIC population; refers participants to appropriate health care providers when a concern has been identified.
• Transports heavy, costly equipment and supplies to/from permanent site to/from temporary sites across the county, in inclement weather, and outside operating hours; responsible for returning equipment and uploading the data in the WICIS system.
• Assists with temporary site set-up including moving/carrying tables, chairs, computer equipment, printers, supplies and signs.
• Manages multiple administrative responsibilities such as establishing and maintaining participant electronic charts, answering phones, ensuring forms and supplies are maintained for all temporary sites.
• Collects participant data for evaluation and referral activities utilizing OCO's Service Delivery System; responsible for data entry into Agency database.
• Attends appropriate training/webinar/learning collaborative activities as assigned.
• Trains new staff on certification processes and policies.
• Performs other duties and special assignments within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.

Job Requirements:

• Must have knowledge of health and nutrition and have the ability to work with wide variety of special populations and ages.
• Must demonstrate effective customer service at all times with clients and staff.
• Must exhibit good judgment, flexibility, courtesy and integrity; must ensure timely service to participants.
• Must possess good communication skills and be able to follow oral/written directions and maintain client confidentiality.
• Must be motivated, have the ability to relate to clients in a caring and sensitive manner, be a positive role model and work collaboratively with others.
• Must possess a valid NYS Driver's License with a good driving record and have access to a reliable, properly insured vehicle for county-wide travel daily and occasionally, outside the county.
• Must be able to work at numerous temporary sites throughout the county with varying physical/environmental conditions.
• Must be able to work in chaotic, noisy open-concept environment.
• Must be physically able to carry out job requirements such as keyboarding regularly and lifting/moving up to 25 lbs. 15 – 40% of the time and approximately 55 pounds up to 15% of the time.
• Must be able to attend to detail and accuracy; must work well in a stressful environment.
• Must have good knowledge of Oswego County geography and County resources for the lower socio-economic population.
• Must have knowledge of data entry and word processing; must be able to perform data entry with accuracy.
• Must be flexible and able to work hours of operation to meet program needs early morning, evenings and Saturdays.
• Must attend in-services, trainings and seminars for skill maintenance and enhancement. Required to obtain 12 hours of continuing education every three years in topics relevant to WIC.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED with certification/courses from an accredited vocational program in food/nutrition, medical training, or human services; and
• Must have 1 - 3 years related experience working with children and families;
• Equivalent combination of education/experience/training will be considered.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.