Public Health Assistant

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative; Pine Ridge (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Health Savings Account

South Dakota Retirement

Annual leave

Sick leave

Job summary

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) is seeking a Public Health Assistant to support women, infants, children, and families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health assessments, and access to nutritious foods and community resources. The role involves direct participant interaction, outreach, and providing WIC services at satellite locations and via the WOW van.

The position offers mobile outreach and collaboration with WIC staff and community partners, with travel to

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; health-related education preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Knowledge of nutrition and health practices, and the needs of women, infants, and children.
• Ability to interpret policies and ensure program compliance.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with participants, families, coworkers, and partners.
• Ability to organize, plan ahead, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and multiple computer programs.
• Ability to work autonomously while also collaborating with a team.
• Demonstrate empathy, initiative, and professionalism with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and participant support during WIC certification period.
• Determine and document WIC eligibility by verifying income, identity, residency, and participation in other programs.
• Conduct nutrition and health assessments, including anthropometric and biochemical measurements.
• Provide individualized nutrition and breastfeeding education and referrals to specialists.
• Issue and explain WIC food benefits and use of the WIC app and portal.
• Connect participants with community resources and develop partner relationships.
• Maintain accurate documentation and monitor caseload management reports; ensure benefits are received.
• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities and WOW mobile services.
• Deliver services via the Wellness on Wheels van to satellite locations.
• Collaborate with staff, agencies, and partners; participate in trainings and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Team collaboration

Empathy & professionalism

Autonomy

Education

High school diploma

Health-related post-secondary education preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

BHSSC is seeking a Public Health Assistant to support women, infants, children, and families through nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health assessments, and access to nutritious foods and community resources. This position works directly with participants to assess needs, provide individualized support, and help families achieve their health and nutrition goals. The role also provides opportunities to work with community partners, participate in outreach activities, and deliver WIC services at satellite locations and through the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) van.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) is a public entity that is an educational cooperative under the State of South Dakota. BHSSC is comprised of five divisions dedicated to aiding school districts, individuals, and the communities.

Wage: $22.00-$25.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt

Work Location: Pine Ridge, SD. Regular travel to satellite sites including overnight stays may be required for service delivery, trainings, or meetings.

Job Description

• Provide case management and participant support throughout the WIC certification period, including appointments, follow-up contacts, and individualized participant-centered goals.
• Determine and document WIC eligibility by accurately obtaining and verifying income, identity, residency, and participation in other assistance programs.
• Conduct nutrition and health assessments, including anthropometric and biochemical measurements and medical and dietary assessments.
• Provide individualized nutrition and breastfeeding education and support based on participant needs, interests, and goals, with referrals to breastfeeding specialists when appropriate.
• Issue and explain WIC food benefits, including individualized food packages, direct formula issuance, eWIC benefits, shopping procedures, and use of the WIC mobile app and participant portal.
• Connect participants with community resources and services by providing referrals and developing relationships with community partners and service providers.
• Maintain accurate participant documentation and caseloads, monitor caseload management reports, ensure participants receive benefits, and address follow-up and over-issuance concerns.
• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities, including special events, public health promotion, and development of community outreach and outcome goals.
• Provide mobile WIC services through the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) van, including travel to satellite locations to deliver services to participants.
• Collaborate with WIC staff, local agencies, regional teams, and community partners to support consistent, high-quality service delivery and participate in required trainings, meetings, and conferences.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma required; post-secondary education in a health-related field is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Knowledge of nutrition and health practices, nutrition education methods, and the nutritional needs of women, infants, and children.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures and ensure program compliance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to organize, plan ahead, and establish goals and priorities while managing multiple responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to work effectively within multiple computer programs.
• Ability to work autonomously while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, initiative, and professionalism when working with diverse populations.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account Options
• South Dakota Retirement
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave

Company Website

Bhssc.org

Because BHSSC is an educational cooperative under the State of South Dakota, all employees are required to undergo a criminal background investigation.