General Responsibilities:
- Home visit with Early Head Start Home Visitors to support current WIC and/or potential WIC clients.
- Ensure quality program service delivery using a client centered approach.
- Create the opportunity for EHS (Early Head Start) families to engage with WIC staff and WIC families to engage with EHS staff.
- Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained during service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Counsels and supports pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
- Provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
- Provide Education of food composition, normal and therapeutic nutrition and the implications for health and disease and of maternal and child health nutrition and breastfeeding as well as on the current infant formulas available to customers/families and ways to use WIC foods that reflect racial, cultural, and economic influences.
- Use extensive understanding of health education and behavior modification techniques in working with clients.
- Perform a health/nutrition assessment and evaluation to determine the need for dietary management.
- Develop and monitor assigned components of the nutrition care plan including plans related to breastfeeding.
- Will function as a member of a health care team.
- Assists the WIC Coordinator in selecting, preparing, and evaluating teaching aids and materials used in the program and evaluate materials to ensure they are positive in tone and are accurate.
- Review WIC breastfeeding reports periodically, analyze the data and implement changes to maintain or improve breastfeeding rates.
- In coordination with other agency staff, train staff in breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support, as well as on the importance of positive breastfeeding attitudes and atmosphere in the clinics.
- Assist in developing programs which sensitize staff to their own attitudes and beliefs about breastfeeding and provide ways the various staff can support women who breastfeed.
- Based on specific criteria, determine the need for use of breast pumps and assist the client to acquire the type of pump needed.
- Develop referral sources related to breastfeeding and identify other community resources which support breastfeeding and coordinate services to maximize benefits for women who breastfeed.
- Interact with MDCH/WIC Division and other local WIC agencies and peer programs to coordinate and implement breastfeeding promotion activities such as cosponsored educational programs, World Breastfeeding Week activities, etc.
- Advise WIC Coordinator on breastfeeding related budget needs.
- Maintain customer MI-WIC data as required by the agency, local, state, and federal regulations.
- Document client information and run reports as required in the MI-WIC system by MMCAA, local, and state authorities.
- Accurately completes required program documentation and record keeping neatly and timely.
- Work collaboratively with the WIC team to ensure all areas of service are in compliance and continually improving.
- Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
- Update on a regular basis specific position how-to’s and timeline.
- Responsible for being a positive, innovative, and supportive team player and promoting a healthy work environment.
- Addresses complaints and resolves problems as they arise.
- Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
- Attends community events and meetings to support the agency programs, including evening and weekend events/meetings.
- All other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Qualifications:
- Registered Dietician accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Must be familiar with various data collection systems and techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
- Demonstrated ability as a strength-based leader.
- Additional Requirements:
- Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to WIC services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.
- Complete additional certifications as required.
- Always maintain confidentiality and code of ethics.
- Must have Proficient Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
- Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license; provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.
- Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.
- Shall provide a written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
- Must have effective communication and organizational skills and be able to work effectively with people.
- Must be self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allocated times.
- Must be willing to accept new challenges.
- The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.
- Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.
- Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.