WIC Health Educator

SUMMARY:

This position is primarily responsible for determining eligibility for WIC Clients, evaluating client lab values, discussing nutritional requirements, prescribing WIC food packages, and issuing EBT cards. This position may also involve assisting WIC Dietician as needed. Must be emotionally mature and able to function effectively under stress and the ability to organize and prioritize work.

Location: WIC site at MLK location on Gus Young Avenue.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Knowledge and understanding of Employee Handbook.
2. Carry out the meaning of the CSMD Mission and Vision statements.
3. Practice a culture of safety to reduce or prevent risk of injury, claims, loss or liability by utilizing the Risk Management and Infection Control Plan.
4. Perform responsibilities with a high-quality standard to yield improved compliance, quality, and patient outcome measures by adhering to the Quality Improvement Plan.
5. Be present and ready for work as scheduled.
6. Attend in-service trainings, departmental meetings, and community events.
7. Work cohesively with team members.
8. Able to access WIC LMS (Learning Management System) to complete required WIC trainings.
9. Able to explain use of WIC Gateway Link to participants to assist them in completing nutrition questionnaires.
10. Complete initial assessment of patient according to WIC Department Policies & Procedures, determines eligibility for WIC and documents appropriately in LaWIN system.
11. Certify and assess patient's weight, measure/plot growth and perform finger sticks for hemoglobin test.
12. Promotes breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding education to all prenatal participants. Refers prenatals to the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor per WIC policy,
13. Assigns appropriate food package based on nutritional assessment. Issues benefits accurately on WIC EBT card and reviews program eligibility. Able to explain use of WIC EBT card, WIC approved foods, and available vendors.
14. Maintains the confidentiality of workplace information according to the policies and procedures of the organization.
15. Works professionally as a team member in conjunction with other employees in the department and center.
16. Communicates with all customers in a professional manner.
17. Operates within the guidelines established by departmental, WIC State Agency and CareSouth Medical and Dental policies and operational procedures.
18. Attends general orientation, LaWIN, and WIC State Agency training-pull from WIC Program Manager's RD JD.1-4.
19. Knowledge and understanding of employee handbook. Consults with WIC Program Manager, CEO, or designee if policy clarification is needed
20. Understand and Follows Grievance policy when necessary.
21. Participates in continuing education opportunities.
22. Attends Staff Meetings
23. Participates in CQI activities
24. Keeps WIC Program Manager of departmental issues, changes and/or pertinent problems. Suggests practical solutions in response to changing regulations, customer and department needs.
25. Serves as a positive influence on others by interacting confidently and productively on a consistent basis.
26. Communicates accurately and effectively to achieve results.
27. Oral and written communication is accurate, timely and professional.
28. Greets clients in a friendly and professional manner when they arrive in the area and demonstrates an unsolicited willingness to help by making eye contact; helps new staff members feel welcome by introducing self and offering assistance.
29. Wears facility identification while at work.
30. Represent the health center in the community in a professional manner with participation in health fairs, school functions, and other volunteer activities.
31. Indicate and submit accurate time and attendance according to policies.
32. Properly utilizes and maintains equipment and supplies.
33. Utilizes cost effective thinking/measures on a daily basis.
34. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/LICENSURE:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A baccalaureate degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer sciences, health promotion, pre-medicine or nursing.

SUBSTITUTIONS: An associate degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer sciences, health promotion, pre-medicine or nursing plus two years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator in the State of Louisiana will substitute for the baccalaureate degree.

Twelve semester hours in food and nutrition or dietetics plus three years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator in the State of Louisiana will substitute for the baccalaureate degree. Twelve semester hours in food and nutrition or dietetics plus three years of experience working in patient care will substitute for the baccalaureate degree.

NOTE: Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Within six months of hire, the candidate is required to complete the Competent Professional Authority (CPA) training mandated by the Louisiana State WIC Agency. The candidate is required to be able to successfully complete established competencies for the position within the designated probationary period.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work with others within a team to ensure quality patient care. Ability to organize, prioritize and work independently as well as schedule and produce work in a timely manner.

SUPERVISES:

None.

TRAINING

Relias Track A Non-Clinical

Relias CareSouth Onboarding

La WIC State Agency New Hire and Required CPA training modules.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT EVALUATION TYPE

Administrative and Programmatic

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Visual acuity - always
2. Hand - eye coordination - always
3. Lifting 10-15 lbs., Pushing, Pulling - sometimes
4. Stooping, Bending, and Standing - sometimes
5. Walking- frequent; short distances
6. Work requires prolonged sitting with substantial amounts of time spent using a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Indoor, environmentally controlled
2. Exposure to disease or infections
3. No vibrations
4. Exposure to artificial and/or natural light
5. Exposure to outdoor weather elements

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please submit a completed employment application found at www.caresouth.org/jobs or the HR office, resume, and credentials via email to jobs@caresouth.org or deliver to the HR office. CareSouth is an EOE.

CLOSING: This announcement will remain open until February 28, 2025, or until filled.