WIC Nutritionist

WIC Program Specialist

Under the supervision of the WIC Program Director, provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support as well as other direct client services according to Camino Health Center and State WIC Program policies. Provide High Risk nutrition counseling and refer participants in need of Medical Nutrition Therapy to a health care provider. Responsible for implementation and coordination of vendor, referral and outreach activities as indicated in Camino Health Center and State WIC Agency policies. Provide mentoring to paraprofessional staff. Requires travel in personal vehicle.

Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Support:

• Provide education and guidance on nutrition and health-related behaviors. Identify each participant's age-specific needs.
• Develop and implement individual education plans for participants, referring to medical providers when indicated.
• Assist WIC Program participants in setting health related goals.
• For high risk participants, adopt and reinforce the Nutrition Care Plan developed by the health care Registered Dietitian and modify the WIC food package accordingly.
• Assist with the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition and breastfeeding education activities.
• Facilitate classes in accordance with established lesson plans.
• Promote breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding, demonstrating competencies outlined in the CDPH/WIC approved breastfeeding curriculum.
• Determine eligibility and issue electric breast pumps.
• Provide services using the Participant Centered Education (PCE) model.

WIC Client Services:

• Provide direct client services and WIC staff relief as needed.
• Support the efficient flow of participants through the WIC office.
• Screen and verify applicants'/participants' income, residency, indicators of nutritional needs and identification for program eligibility. Input data into the WIC Web Information System Exchange Management Information System (WIC WISE).
• Make decisions to certify or disqualify applicants and participants based on eligibility requirements.
• Prepare, tailor, void, and reissue food benefits as appropriate. Orient WIC participants on WIC-allowable foods and how to use the food benefits.
• Assess the immunization history of children and refer under-immunized children to an appropriate health care provider.
• Communicate with health care providers as needed to obtain nutrition related information.
• Contribute to the success of Camino Health Center by making appropriate referrals to the medical, behavioral health, and dental programs.
• Refer applicants/participants to available support resources such as health care services, emergency food, substance abuse interventions, family support services, and other appropriate services.
• Ensure Supervisor is made aware of any potential client grievances or risk events.
• Complete participant transfers.

Local Vendor Liaison:

• Serve as liaison between Camino Health Center WIC Program and local grocery vendors.
• Maintain WIC/Vendor Log documenting all vendor contracts and participant complaints/concerns.
• Coordinate store visits to establish and maintain WIC/Vendor relationships.
• Plan and coordinate vendor training activities as program policies and/or food package changes mandate.
• Work with participants and vendors to resolve complaints and concerns as needed to promote a customer friendly environment, routing any vendor policy or compliance issues to the WIC Program Director.
• Participate in Regional and State vendor training sessions.

Community Liaison:

• Serve as liaison between Camino Health Center and local health care providers and other referral agencies and provide WIC updates as needed.
• Assist with community collaborative partnership efforts.
• Maintain the WIC referral data base and provide staff with all updates.
• Assist with outreach activities and maintenance of caseload, ensuring maximum WIC exposure to potentially eligible families.
• Maintain WIC Outreach log.
• Develop an understanding of the programs and patient services offered by Camino Health Center by participating in in-services and other activities and share that information with community partners and staff.

WIC Program Support:

• Provide staff supervision in the absence of the Supervising Nutritionist.
• Ensure Supervisor/Director is aware of any potential client grievances or risk events.
• Assist WNA staff in determining applicants'/participants' eligibility for program benefits.
• Assist with the ongoing auditing and organization of participant records.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects/tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication; Basic math skills
• Proficient in using computer and office equipment
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all patients
• Ability to relate well to other health professionals and support staff
• Ability to carry out administrative and patient support services
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition or other nutrition-related field.

License / Certification:

• Current registration as a Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), or verification of eligibility to test for registration with CDR. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership.

Additional Requirements:

• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites