WIC Nutritionist

Reports to the Manager/WIC Coordinator or Clinic Supervisor. Responsible for completing nutrition and breastfeeding assessment, education, and counseling and serves as a WIC Qualified Nutritionist or Competent Professional Authority (CPA).

This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Document required information in the Indiana WIC Management Information System (INWIC MIS) to complete certification and nutrition education contact procedures including anthropometrics, education, counseling and referrals in the INWIC MIS.
• Complete nutrition assessments and provide nutrition education and referrals tailored to the client's living conditions, nutritional needs, food patterns, preferences, and dietary restrictions.
• Provide individual nutrition counseling for high-risk clients and other clients requiring individual follow-up causing a client-centered approach.
• Provide written information to clients regarding Medicaid, agencies that provide Drug and Substance Abuse counseling, and other social service agencies.
• Lead group education classes and maintain related files and records.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• If assigned as a Hospital based WIC Nutritionist or CPA (Competent Professional Authority):
  • issues breast pumps in accordance with pump training and breast pump policy and guidance.
  • Schedule appointments using the Indiana WIC Management Information System (INWIC MIS).
  • Assist applicants with the completion of intake documents.
  • Screen WIC applicants for eligibility (identity, residency, and income) and document in the INWIC MIS system.
  • Offer the opportunity to register to vote and provide assistance to applicants and clients 17 years of age or older who are applying for benefits or are making an address change. Work with the local agency Voter Registration Coordinator in transmitting VRG-6 forms and filing VRG-9 forms.
  • Provide and explain ineligibility notice to applicants found to be ineligible for the program.
  • Issue WIC benefits and eWIC card as needed.
  • Provide explanations of the WIC program including WIC approved foods and use of the eWIC card.
  • Provide applicants/clients with appropriate program and informational materials.
  • Assist applicants/clients with downloading, registering for, and utilizing the INWIC mobile app.
  • Create and tailor a food prescription using the INWIC MIS that is appropriate to the client's needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• Must be one of the following:
  • Registered Dietitian; or
  • Registration eligible to take the exam for the Commission on Dietetic Registration; or
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Dietetics, Nutrition or Nutrition Sciences
  • Registered Nurse
  • A graduate of a bachelor's or master's program in a health-related field which, through review of an official transcript from an accredited college, includes a study in nutrition
• CPR certification is preferred.
• Experience in maternal and child health or public health setting preferred.
• If assigned as a Hospital based WIC Nutritionist or CPA (Competent Professional Authority), IBCLC or CLC/CLS credentials are preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Present in the clinic during all clinic hours, up to the limit for full-time employees.
• Ability to work independently.
• Work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to facilitate conversations with individuals to address their needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism in a manner consistent with legal and ethical standards including WIC federal regulation.
• Operate standard office and computer equipment.
• Utilize Indiana WIC communication services to appropriately serve WIC clients.
• Requires basic or proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Teams, Edge) and Google Chrome.
• Flexibility during periods of program change.

Working Conditions

• Display a positive reflection of the Indiana WIC program, both in the clinic and through community outreach activities, which may include local Farmer's Market events and collaborations with healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and other community partners.
• Develop working relationships with other staff and partnering community agencies.
• Maintain a compassionate clinic environment that supports needs of the community.
• Support and promote breastfeeding as the normative infant feeding method within the clinic environment.
• Provide all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients with evidence-bases breastfeeding support and education, within the clinic role's scope of practice.
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Indiana WIC program.
• Work completed in a fast-paced clinic setting. This may include interaction with the public, exposure to loud noises, and working in close proximity to others.
• Client interactions, including but not limited to, height and weight measurements, hemoglobin finger sticks, and holding/lifting infants and children as needed.
• Occasional travel between hospitals, clinics and to required statewide conferences.
• Work may include prolonged periods of standing and/or walking.
• Repetitive motion related to standard office work.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.