Health Services Worker - WIC Certifier

Lewiscountywa; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Health Department in Washington State is seeking a WIC Support Specialist to conduct eligibility interviews, certify eligibility, and issue food vouchers under close supervision. You'll provide nutrition education, collect health history, perform anthropometric assessments, and coordinate referrals to dietitians and community resources.

The position requires a high school diploma, one year experience in medical or social services, and a valid driver's license; bilingual English/Spanish

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and 1 year of experience in a medical or social services program.
• Valid Driver’s License required; must obtain Washington State Health Care Assistants credential within 90 days of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Explains WIC program to participants and determines eligibility; obtains health history and performs anthropometric assessments.
• Interviews clients, collects family information, and enters data into the State database.
• Assesses nutritional needs and eligibility based on income, address, and identity.
• Performs hemoglobin procedures and references high-risk clients to dietitian.
• Coordinates development and implementation of an individual care plan.
• Provides nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and support; prints food checks.
• Drives to satellite locations and assists in outreach clinics.
• Plans and prepares educational materials with the dietitian.
• Educates the public on health and community services; maintains records.
• Maintains confidentiality per Privacy Act and HIPAA.

Skills

Data entry

People skills

Record keeping

Computer literacy

Interpersonal relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Under close supervision, conducts eligibility interviews, certifies applicant eligibility, and issues food vouchers for the WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) program; provides nutrition education, general health information, and referral to community and medical resources.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Explains WIC program to participants and determines eligibility; obtains health history, performs anthropometric assessments of infants, children and women, and assesses growth pattern.
• Interviews clients, collects family information, and enters data obtained from interview in the State database; documents client service delivery according to state procedures and standards.
• Assesses nutritional needs of WIC participants based on clinical, anthropometric and socioeconomic information; determines eligibility based on income, address and proof of identity; explains eligibility criteria, participant responsibility and WIC policies.
• Performs hemoglobin procedures, following universal precautions/blood-borne pathogen protocol; assesses diet as it applies to WIC guidelines, makes appropriate recommendations and refers high-risk clients to dietitian; assesses clients for medical/nutritional risk factors and identifies high-risk criteria.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of an individual care plan; refers individuals to other health professionals and agencies.
• Provides nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and support; prescribes WIC food package and prints food checks.
• Performs duties in main office and outreach clinics, which includes driving to satellite locations, setting up, breaking down, and cleaning site.
• Plans and prepares individual and group educational materials in conjunction with the dietitian, which may include display boards, bulletin boards, and handouts.
• Assists in educating the public on health and healthy behaviors and on community services available through Public Health Department and other community resources.
• Assists in compiling and maintaining records, reports and statistical information.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, personnel records and County information; complies with the confidentiality standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended, and HIPAA policies and procedures.

Work is performed in a standard office environment and off-site facilities; work involves light physical demands and frequent use of a personal computer. High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND one (1) year of experience in a medical or social services program. A valid Driver’s License is required. Must obtain a Washington State Health Care Assistants within 90 days of hire.

PREFERRED

Bilingual skills (English/Spanish).

Knowledge of:

• Applicable policies, procedures, and regulations covering WIC nutritional health programs.
• Principles and practices of nutrition and child development.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Business and personal computers, and standard software applications.

Skills in:

• Entering data into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Interacting with people of all social, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance.