Health Specialist-WIC

Malheur County; Ontario (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Malheur County Health Department is seeking a detail-oriented professional to support the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. You will greet visitors, register clients, assess services, and secure necessary documentation and payments for services rendered.

The role includes nutrition counseling, breastfeeding education, HIPAA compliance, and assisting with WIC certification and eligibility determinations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years progressively responsible work experience in a medical clinic setting.
• Bi-lingual abilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and clients professionally.
• Register, check in/out clients and manage records using an Electronic Health Records Program.
• Assess services needed and document WIC program specifics.
• Coordinate documentation for WIC participants transferring from other state offices.
• Determine the client’s method of payment and secure insurance information.
• Collect and account for payments and donations.
• Support WIC-related communications, outreach, scheduling and health education.
• Maintain HIPAA confidentiality and secure all records.

Skills

Customer service

Nutrition education

Bilingual

Data collection and analysis

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Health Records Program

Office software

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing customer service to all visitors and patients, determining reason for the visit, ensuring delivery of needed services, securing patient information, signatures on required documents, and establishing methods of payment for services rendered. This person will also perform certification support duties to the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program of the Health Department; performs assessment tests and provides nutritional counseling to WIC clients on a as needed basis.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Director of the Health Department, Clinic Manager, or WIC Supervisor who periodically reviews for adherence to the appropriate policies and for results obtained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The following description of duties may not be all inclusive and other duties may be assigned at the discretion of management.)

1. Greet visitors and clients in a courteous, professional, and informed manner.
2. Schedule, register, check in/out clients, organize records, and update client record information using an Electronic Health Records Program.
3. Assess services needed to establish program specific documentation.
4. Requests, schedules and completes documentation of WIC participants transferring from other state WIC offices.
5. Determines the client's method of payment and secures insurance information.
6. Requests, receives, and accounts for payments and donations.
7. Supports programs within the scope of the OAII role, including communication, mailings, phone calls, outreach, scheduling, providing health education, coordinating meetings, and documentation.
8. Complies with HIPAA and other regulations and requirements. Responsible for confidentiality and security of all records.
9. Completes daily checklist of duties and coordinates tasks with coworkers to ensure all work is done on time. Responsible for appointment reminders at least 24 hours before scheduled appointment.
10. Assist with WIC certification appointments to determine initial and ongoing eligibility of potential participants according to federal, state and local policies.
11. Conduct nutrition assessment, evaluate collected information and assign appropriate risk codes/high risk codes.
12. Collect and evaluate diet and medical history for conditions relevant to nutritional status.
13. Promote, educate on and encourage breastfeeding with pregnant and postpartum participants.
14. Provide nutrition education appropriate to medical/nutritional risk conditions, participant category and level of motivation/understanding.
15. Complete all certification components and issue nutrition benefits to eligible participants.
16. Assists in inventory and ordering of supplies and materials as needed.
17. Maintains a clean and safe environment per cleaning guidelines, including cleaning exam rooms, bathrooms, reception, office space, and assist with building maintenance.
18. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data, providing health education, building community relationships, providing customer service, delivering services, coordinating meetings, organizing records, supporting programs, and providing technical expertise.
19. Follows all MCHD/WIC policies and procedures.
20. Employees must arrive and be ready to work on time with an average of 80% punctuality each week and requires regular physical attendance.
21. Attends staff meetings and reads minutes and follow up with supervisor if meetings are missed.
22. Reads emails, chats, and notes and listen to voicemails to maintain effective communication.
23. Mandatory participation in MCHD response to public health emergencies and outbreaks and preparedness drills and trainings, which may involve after hours.
24. All employees will follow the core competencies for Public Health Professionals. The eight core competency domains are: Data Analytics and Assessment Skills; Policy Development and Program Planning Skills; Communication Skills; Health Equity Skills; Community Partnership Skills; Public Health Sciences Skills; Management and Finance Skills; and Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Past government experience
• Past WIC experience
• Bi-lingual
• Three years progressively responsible work experience in a medical clinic setting which includes or is supported by coursework in nutrition education OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Prior reception experience, preferably in a healthcare setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of computer software relative to job assignment
• Knowledge of equipment used to perform essential duties including, but not limited to computer, fax, copier, and multi-line telephone.
• Knowledge of collecting and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of proper English grammar, usage, and spelling to use effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Bilingual language skills.
• Customer service skills - in person and via telephone (discretion, patience, etiquette, professionalism).
• Ability to build community relationships.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Skills in interviewing, speaking and counseling.
• Knowledge of wellness, prevention and health promotion principles.