DIETETIC TECHNICIAN

WIC Program Employee

This employee works with the WIC Program within the Health Department. Employee determines eligibility, obtains anthropometric measures, completes nutrition assessments, and provides nutrition education for participants. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Motivational interviewing and participant-centered counseling skills
• Infant and child feeding practices
• Prenatal, post-partum and breastfeeding nutritional needs
• Basics of breastfeeding
• Reading, literacy, language skills appropriate to address the needs of a diverse population
• Cultural diversity and ability to use interpreter service effectively
• Adaptable, quick to learn new procedures and skilled at de-escalating sometimes challenging participants

Skill to:

• Operate computer
• Basic technology and mathematic skills
• Operate infant and adult scales
• Operate a hemocue and Pronto analyzers
• Operate telephone, fax copier

Ability to:

• Develop nutrition care plans
• Determine program eligibility and assign appropriate food packages
• Assist in and develops educational materials which meet the needs of agency service providers and is considerate of various educational, ethnic, and socio-economic levels and community groups; Plans and conducts group nutrition education classes
• May be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency

Possession of valid registration as a Dietetic Technician with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Substitution(s): Possession of a Verification Statement indicating completion of the requirements of a dietetics program approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If the substitution is applied, possession of valid registration as a Dietetic Technician with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics must be obtained within the probationary period.

Other Requirements:

Must have a valid Driver's License

Environmental Conditions: Office/clinic environment; exposure to computer screens; travel from site to site; working closely with others.

Physical Conditions: Duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; light to moderate lifting.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Review health history information and educate clients based on provided responses.
• Consider anthropometric data and subjective data obtained from interview with participant when completing assessment.
• Prescribe appropriate food packages based on client's age group/category and medical needs.
• Make formula changes on food packages based on client needs and/or primary care physician's request. Provide required written documentation per WIC Policy.
• Routinely check fax machine for scripts from health care provider offices, pull chart, notify parents, complete required documentation, update the WIC system.
• Use Phone Interpreter Services when there is a language barrier and coordinate care for those whom English is not their primary language.
• Discuss and critically think with colleagues to determine the best course of action when an issue about formula changes, food package or breastfeeding arise.
• Participate in the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program's coupon distribution.
• Process the Missed Text Reminder Report. Performs anthropometrics and hematological data collection including finger sticks.
• Obtains health assessment data and provides nutrition consultation to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and preschool children.
• Restock nutrition education materials.
• Assist in the development of nutrition education materials/classes (bulletin boards, PowerPoints, handouts, lesson plans).
• Provide nutrition education and outreach to community agencies.
• Issue Benefits and give explanation of how to use benefits, program explanation and Participant Rights and Responsibilities, when the next appointments will be.
• Ensure breastfeeding is promoted as the first choice for infant feeding. Keep current with the latest breastfeeding information.
• Obtain health assessment data from participants. Record data on appropriate forms and in the WIC system.
• Complete application and determine WIC eligibility.
• Obtain weight and length measurements and perform hemoglobin tests.
• Answer phones, make appointments, update participant information. File and pull charts.

Probationary Period: Six Months

Supervision Exercised: None