Administrative Specialist I

**Bilingual in Spanish Preferred**

To assist in the daily operation of the WIC Program through client interview activities and program eligibility/certification/recertification. To provide breastfeeding outreach, education, and support to prenatal and postpartum women; to assist the WIC Program staff with implementing activities which increase the number and duration of WIC participants who breastfeed.

• Complete necessary forms and data entry required for WIC certifications, including eWIC issuance.
• Complete full or adjunctive income screening and document findings in Crossroads. If found adjunctively eligible, document household income range.
• Responsible for interpreting WIC policies and regulations to prospective and current clients, as well as other health care professionals.
• Update all participant/family alerts in Crossroads as necessary.
• Update family demographic screen in Crossroads when changes in name, address and phone number are reported.
• Issue eWIC card and have client sign for issuance.
• Maintain WIC client schedule and reschedule accordingly when unexpected events occur.
• Appropriately answer phone calls and respond to messages in Teletask.
• Reschedule missed appointments by phone or Teletask to help maintain WIC caseload.
• Mail new appointment letter if client prefers over 2-day text reminder.
• Provide WIC services at satellite location.
• Conduct self in a professional manner utilizing customer friendly techniques that express care and understanding.
• Work with other county and state WIC offices to transfer clients according to policy.
• Assist WIC Director in updating WIC policies and other administrative tasks.
• Comply with local agency policy requirements of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993.
• Attend Nutrition Service Branch sponsored WIC meeting or training sessions that address new program policies and procedures.
• Peer Counselor must have personal experience breastfeeding at least one child for a minimum duration of 6 weeks.
• Complete the Peer Counselor Care Plan Training and WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Level 1 and Level 2 Training.
• Attend Peer Counselor Quarterly Continuing Education Trainings.
• Offer support and information to pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program.
• Support breastfeeding dyads in achieving successful breastfeeding experiences while helping to prevent, correct, and manage common breastfeeding challenges.
• Adhere to Peer Counselor Scope of Practice and Peer Counselor When to Yield when working with participants.
• Refer participants to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert for situations outside their scope of practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with women enrolled on the program with frequent required and recommended follow up contacts as outlined in the North Carolina WIC Manual and Pender County Service Delivery Model Policy.
• Issue breastfeeding supplies and pumps as needed in consultation with WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert and following program guidelines.
• Assist Breastfeeding Coordinator with quarterly breastfeeding supply inventory as needed.
• Complete required documentation in Crossroads of services provided to participants on Peer Counselor Program.
• Maintain monthly report of caseload, client contacts, and activities to turn into to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Manager.
• Maintain dedicated breastfeeding support phone line that is readily accessible for support, education, and encouragement for breastfeeding women. Phone line is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week with message capabilities. Messages received on the phone line must be responded to within 2 business days.
• Engage in community outreach efforts to promote breastfeeding and educating the public about its benefits.
• Collect anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and document in the client record.
• Collaborate with other health department program staff to promote WIC participation and referrals.
• Provide nutrition education lessons to WIC clients at low-risk appointments and document in computer system.
• Help manage client flow to minimize wait time for WIC participant.
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary by the WIC Director or designee.
• Participate in natural disasters.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

General knowledge of office methods and practice. General knowledge of and ability to use correct spelling, punctuation and specialized vocabulary; ability to proofread; ability to communicate well in written and oral format. Thorough knowledge is needed when training clients about the program. Ability to learn and apply a variety of guidelines.  Ability to use a variety of office equipment. Ability to work with people with courtesy and tact. Ability to input data accurately and efficiently.  Ability to organize individual workload.  Knowledge of current rules and regulations for programs and services. Ability to work with children and families as well as the general public. Must be self-motivated and able to prioritize and work independently.  

Required Minimum Training:
Graduation from high school and demonstrated possession of knowledge, skills and abilities gained through at least two years of office assistant/secretarial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Peer Counselor must have personal experience breastfeeding at least one child for a minimum duration of 6 weeks. Completion of the Peer Counselor Care Plan Training; Completion of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Level 1 and Level 2 Training.

Additional Training/Experience:
Experience with data entry of client information and specific knowledge of HIPAA is preferred. 

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Good physical health and stamina is needed. A limited amount of physical effort is required while performing the duties of this position (including weighing and measuring clients; cleaning, assembling and disassembling breastpumps; assisting mother in proper breastfeeding latch technique). This position may require the employee to be able to physically maneuver in a hospital setting to counsel and assist clients. There is daily need for verbal articulation, writing, sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting and stooping. There may be long timeframes of sitting at a desk.