WIC Qualified Nutritionist

WIC Staff Position

WIC staff perform a variety of professional duties for the Women, Infants and Children Program. WIC program staff are guided by a thorough knowledge of Local Agency Policies and Procedures, applicable United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal laws and regulations, the policies, and procedures of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) as well as our sponsor agency Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Centers (JPA FHC) policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Qualified Nutritionist (QN) staff are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in the use of the NYSDOH NYWIC computer system, where WIC participant information is documented. QN staff must have completed the educational requirements and practical experiences required to earn a degree and/or credential in the field of nutrition. This individual possesses expertise that qualifies them to perform all nutrition-related duties at the WIC agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of WICs mission, policies and procedures and program goals and objectives and appropriately communicates this information to participants, health care providers and community organizations
• Demonstrates high level of knowledge of code of ethics for WIC professionals
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of food and nutrition requirements and dietary recommendations for women, infants and children in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines
• Conducts a complete nutrition assessment and determines nutrition risk in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines virtually or in-person
• Develops and implements individual care plans (ICPs) and oversees high risk care, tracks progress and documents outcomes
• Demonstrates advanced skills in using appropriate measurement techniques to collect and interpret anthropometric and hematological data
• Coordinates nutrition education that is participant centered, including breastfeeding promotion and support, that is responsive to the identified needs and interest of each participant
• Provides appropriate participant centered nutrition education for WIC participants in both individual and group settings as needed. Offers online nutrition education options to WIC participants.
• Conducts breastfeeding assessments, and provides participant centered counseling that helps a mother initiate breastfeeding, establish milk supply, exclusively breastfeed or continue breastfeeding
• Addresses common breastfeeding concerns and issues breast pumps for mothers who meet eligibility requirements
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding and appreciation for how sociocultural issues (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, group affiliation, socioeconomic status and world view) impact participants nutrition behaviors and practice
• Documents nutrition services provided to WIC participants, including health and social services referrals and follow-up referrals
• Ensures referrals for lead testing, hemoglobin/hematocrit and immunizations are provided by WIC participants, as appropriate
• Prescribes, tailors, authorizes, issues and reissues food packages as needed
• Reviews and approves special formula requests requiring medical documentation in consultation with WIC participants Health Care Provider in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines
• Provides orientation and guidance to WIC participants to set up WIC health accounts for Online Nutrition Education
• Adheres to all regulations of confidentiality and participant safety as required by federal HIPAA regulations, USDA, the NYSDOH and JPA FHC
• Reviews Rights and Responsibilities with WIC participants and ensures understanding
• Responds to customer service inquiries about the WIC program and its benefits over the phone or in-person in a courteous manner. Provides additional information on topics such as WIC benefits and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
• Attends conferences, professional seminars, in-service trainings, completes NYSDOH/ JPA FHC mandatory trainings and yearly continuing education credits to improve knowledge as needed
• Participates in breastfeeding promotion and support activities as needed.
• Participates in nutrition education activities to promote WIC enrollment as needed. Assist with compiling or developing educational materials to utilized during nutrition education sessions or group nutrition classes as needed.
• Assists to develop and/or update the local agency Nutrition Education and Outreach plan as needed.
• Utilizes language line when speaking with participants that need translation services.
• Performs any other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors, or Masters in nutrition degree from an accredited college or university
• Ability to perform tasks in a timely manner and follow instructions.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, accommodating for rotation to different WIC sites based on program needs.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Windows, experience with data entry preferred.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.