WIC Educator

Full Job Description

Requirements

• Maintains a caseload of clients participating in the WIC program.
• Counsels WIC clients regarding program options; utilizes a variety of skills and strategies, including active listening, goal setting, and care plan development; and provides clients with nutrition and breastfeeding education.
• Determines client eligibility; tailors food packages; issues benefits to be redeemed at grocery stores (vendors).
• Assesses anthropometric data; examines graphs and interprets results; analyzes and assesses responses to the Nutrition Interview; determines nutritional status; screens applicants and clients for various risk behaviors and situations including drugs, alcohol, diseases, child abuse, dental and health status, immunizations, and prenatal care.
• Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries, provides information based on considerable knowledge of County programs and activities, and/or refers callers to appropriate personnel, as necessary; routes messages for program personnel, as necessary; responds to inquiries and requests from clients and other division/department employees.
• Utilizes WIC-specific computerized data entry equipment for benefit issuance and various word processing/file maintenance programs to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary; summarizes data in preparation of standardized reports.
• Schedules appointments utilizing computerized scheduling program; maintains individual educator appointment profiles; tracks patients to ensure adherence to scheduled appointments and to monitor high risk patients. Adheres to program caseload expectations.
• Refers clients to various support agencies, such as social services, food banks and mental health organizations.
• Makes appropriate referrals to Leadership per High-Risk Triage tool protocol.
• Determines client voter registration status; assists those who need to register.
• May participates in WIC outreach activities and client special events including WIC appointments at partner locations.
• May perform all aspects of offsite WIC appointments independently when needed.
• Provides professional and sensitive customer service to clients and public of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Assists with training and mentoring personnel as directed.
• May assist with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) program and related activities. May facilitate breastfeeding support groups.
• Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities.
• Promotes public health within the community.
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others.
Supervision Received: Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of agency policies and procedures.
• Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
• Skilled in training and presentation.
• Proficiency in using a computer and various software packages, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and organize projects among a broad spectrum of personnel, frequently under deadline pressure. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
• Ability to identify results of efforts and problems identified/potential problems and to develop and recommend corrective actions.
• Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports to meet management objectives.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform under stress and time constraints. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance. 

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Two years of community health, public health, social services, education, or related experience.
  • Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. 

Preferred Education & Experience

• Three or more years of related experience. 

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to acquire WIC State level 1, 2, and 3 certifications within program timelines.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Additional Information

Work environment may be loud with potential exposure to infections, blood, and contagious diseases. Some travel may be required; work may be assigned in various locations. This position requires the ability to safely bend at waist or knees to get down to child’s level, and the ability to safely lift and carry up to 10 lbs. frequently and 20 – 35 lbs. infrequently. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.