Administrative Assistant

WIC Program Specialist

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

With equity and compassion, we protect, serve, and educate, empowering everyone in Gaston County to achieve their best health.

An hourly salary range of $16.88 - $20.04 is anticipated for this position. The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform. Interviews applicants/participants to assess for WIC Program eligibility:

• Determines income eligibility by verifying adjuctive eligibility through Crossroads computer system or totaling household income using WIC income guidelines.
• Verifies identification and Gaston County residency using allowable proofs as determined by WIC Program policies and procedures.
• Obtains verification for physical custody for children when indicated.
• Enters data into the Crossroads computer system for WIC.
• Offers voter registration applications to applicants/paticipants as required by WIC policy/procedures.
• Provides Verification of Certification information for participants who transfer their WIC services to another county/state.
• Documents services provided for applicants/participants in the state WIC Crossroads computer system.

Explains WIC Program benefits and applicable rules, regulations and procedures to eligible participants:

• Answers participants questions regarding program procedures.
• Issues an eWIC card for participants to use to access program benefits.
• Explains how to download the ebtEDGE app, how to activate it, set a PIN and use the eWic card.
• Issues food benefits to the participants food benefit account.
• Provides a shopping list to participants as required by WIC Program policy and procedures.
• Explains how to select WIC approved foods by using the WIC Shopping Guide and ebtEdge app.
• Determines participant's issuance schedule and coordinates family members to receive WIC food benefits and program services.

Interviews returning participants to deliver WIC Program services as required by WIC Program policis/procedures:

• Provides low risk nutrition education following lesson plans as outlined by a Nutritionist.
• Refers participants to Nutritionists as needed.
• Refers participants to outside services as needed/requested by participants.
• Schedules return appointments for participants using the WIC Crossroads computer system.

Completes biochemical and anthropometric measurements of WIC applicants/participants as required by WIC Program policy and procedures:

• Weighs and measures applicants/participants of the WIC Program using procedures as outlined in the NC WIC Program manual.
• Performs hemoglobin tests for applicants/participants according to WIC Program guidelines.

Performs other job responsibilities as assigned:

• Works at the DHHS-Social Services satellite office to provide WIC services to applicipants/participants.
• Works as WIC receptionist as needed.
• Records daily the number and type of services provided to WIC applicants/participants using the Gaston County Health Department Daily Time Entry and Analysis System.
• Completes a detailed daily time study using the Gaston County Health Department Daily Time Entry and Analysis system to document time spent in each WIc program area.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies. Notifies Nutrition Program Coordinator when additional supplies need to ordered.
• As needed, assists in preparedness and emergency response activities in situations that threaten the public's health (i.e. disease outbreak, natural disasters, etc.).
• Carryout Performance Management (PM) roles and responsibilities, including identifying and communicating performance improvement opportunities and adjusting performance and practice to achieve established PM goals.
• Implement strategies aimed at achieving Health Equity, including but not limited to: attending trainings to better understand inequities, identifying and addressing barriers to health, serving on the Health Equity Team or its subcommittees, engaging in internal or external efforts to eliminate health disparities."

Conducts program outreach activities to applicants/participants to offer WIC services for those who may be eligible:

• Contacts via telephone or letter potentially eligible persons to offer appointments and explain benefits available to persons eligible.
• Sends letters to applicants/participants who miss their appointment as required by WIC Program policies and procedures.

Participates in staff development activities in order to remain up-to-date on new guidelines, policies, procedures, and activities:

• Attends workshops and trainings related to the provision of program services as required by WIC policies.
• Attends health department and WIC staff meetings as scheduled.
• Completes required annual WIC, health department and county trainings.

High School Diploma

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Pension
• 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits. To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide. Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.