Job Description

The WIC Educator provides services to applicants and clients of the NATIVE HEALTH Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The position is responsible for determining program eligibility, nutrition assessment, and nutritional counseling. This position functions in a busy clinic setting and coordinates with internal and external health care and social service providers.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

1. Assigns appropriate food packages for clients. 
2. Ensures appropriate documentation is in place when issuing special formulas and foods. 
3. Records client complaints regarding vendors.  
4. Takes height, weight and hemoglobin measures as needed and records information correctly. 
5. Assesses growth or weight gain during pregnancy accurately and explains to client so it is understandable. 
6. Assesses each client’s nutrition status and provides nutrition counseling that addresses the client’s needs using a participant-centered method. 
7. Assesses and documents client’s nutrition risks. 
8. Identifies the need for individual care plans and develops goals and ways to meet goals with clients using a participant-centered approach. 
9. Refers high risk clients to the Registered Dietitian. 
10. Promotes and supports breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding. 
11. Assesses breastfeeding status and identifies and provides counseling on basic breastfeeding problems within scope of practice.  Refers breastfeeding lead, RD, IBCLC or designated breastfeeding expert in the area when identified problem is beyond scope of practice. 
12. Assesses need for breast pump and issues pump as indicated.  Educates mother on use of pump and storage of breastmilk and follows-up with mother following issuance. 
13. Completes vendor site reviews according to ITCA policies and procedures. 
14. Documents assessment information, food package assignment, referrals, follow-up on referrals, nutrition counseling and other information for each client. 
15. Provides WIC nutrition classes and food preparation demonstrations to clients. 
16. Performs functions of clerk or certifier as needed. 
17. Maintains current knowledge on nutrition and breastfeeding by attending classes, conferences, workshops and seminars. 
18. Maintains confidentiality of client and vendor information. 
19. Refers clients to health and social services as needed and follows-up on referrals. 
20. Attends civil rights training annually. 
21. Completes assignments and submit reports, logs, and inventory to the WIC Supervisor in a timely fashion.  
22. Performs other work related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS: 

1. High school diploma and completes the ITCA competency-based training program on performing the duties of a Competent Professional Authority within 60 days of hire and college courses paid by ITCA with passing grades at Central Arizona College Dietetic Education Program within 18 months of hire. Preferred: State or local medically trained health official with Dietetic Technician Registered or Associate’s Degree in Nutrition and successfully completes the ITCA competency-based training program; or Nutritionist (Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or Home Economics with emphasis in Nutrition), Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse and successfully completes the ITCA competency-based training program within 60 days of hire.  
2. Physical: Lifting and carrying up to 30 lbs.; bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, kneeling, walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time; Prolonged periods of computer use, writing, and use of other tools necessary to perform duties and complete assignments; Ascending and descending stairs; Talking, hearing, seeing, listening and ability to understand; Repetitive use of hands, fingers, arms and eyes.   
3. Hours of Work: Vary and are dependent on business needs, requirements, workflow, and assignments.  Weekend hours may be required. 
4. Driving/Travel: Must be willing and able to travel in and out of the State of Arizona frequently by various modes of transportation. Overnight stays are required.  
5. Job Location: Work will be performed at NATIVE HEALTH clinics in the Greater Phoenix area. 
6. Must have a valid and unrestricted Arizona driver’s license (within 30 days of hire if applicant is from out-of-state) with no DUI/DWI or reckless driving convictions in the last five years. No more than two at-fault accidents in the last three years.  Must maintain a valid AZ driver license during employment.  Must be insurable by NATIVE HEALTH liability auto policy. 
7. Must pass a criminal background check with a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within the initial ninety (90) calendar days of employment. 
8. Must pass a substance abuse testing upon employment, and submit to a random testing during the course of employment.  
9. Must have an updated Immunization (IZ) Record.  
10. Must have a current Tuberculosis (TB) skin test upon employment and provide an update annually.     
11. Must obtain a CPR Card within ninety (90) calendar days of employment and maintain a valid CPR card during employment.  
12. Preference given to applicants based on the following criteria: bilingual in Spanish; experience working with American Indian women, infants and children; experience with nutrition counseling of minority populations; experience in the WIC Program; experience and knowledge using a case management or database system; and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

1. Excellent knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. 
2. Knowledge of the authorized WIC foods and food packages. Proficiency in nutrition assessment and counseling skills. 
3. Knowledge of WIC and other federal nutrition programs and Indian tribal governments. 
4. Knowledge of health and social services programs in the community. 
5. Knowledge of cultural values and beliefs of the population that affect nutrition status. 
6. Knowledge of common infant formulas and their use. 
7. Knowledge of common health conditions and how nutrition is impacted. 
8. Knowledge of WIC certification and eligibility requirements. 
9. Knowledge and skill in breastfeeding promotion, identification of problems, counseling of mothers and support of mothers. 
10. Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
11. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. 
12. High proficiency and skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Explorer and ability to learn other software applications as needed. 
13. Willingness to work independently and as part of a team. 
14. Ability to use Participant-Centered Services Skills such as rapport building, affirmations, open-ended questions, reflections and summarizing in counseling and tools provided. 
15. Ability to adapt to new situations, policies and procedures. 
16. Ability to understand, interpret and explain read growth grids and weight gain grids. 
17. Strong ability to speak clearly, concisely and effectively one-on-one and in groups. 
18. Ability to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Demonstrated ability to develop goals and ways to meet goals with clients. 
19. Ability to maintain detailed records. 
20. Ability to conduct effective group discussions and classes. 
21. Ability to pay close attention to details. 
22. Demonstrated ability to critically think.

Additional Information

Native Health is an EEOC, Employment-At-Will, and Native American Preference employer.  A Drug Free and Commercial Smoke-Free work environment.