WIC Educator/WIC Educator Specialist

The Department has elected to consider a range of experience for this vacancy. A candidates' qualifications will determine the level at which they are hired.

All Levels: The WIC Educator/WIC Educator Specialist delivers WIC Services to participants by determining and documenting eligibility, issuing food benefits, maintaining participant and Program electronic records and paper files related to participant certification, interviewing, providing nutrition education with behavior change goals, and developing individual care plans based on a sound understanding of nutritional concepts.
 
Performs a variety of paraprofessional, client service, and clerical work related to public health nutrition in delivering Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program services to WIC families, infants, and children.

WIC Educator: 

• Completes all required WIC Certification trainings within 1 year of hire.
• Oversee and maintains a scheduled caseload of clients participating in the WIC program. Conducts client orientations on WIC procedures individually or in groups. Issues WIC benefits on a one- to three-month schedule.
• Documents client encounters per Colorado WIC Service and Standards Protocols and Policies.
• Provides client-centered counseling and develops nutrition care plans for clients and families regarding nutritional needs, taking into consideration social determinants of health.   
• Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service to public health clients and families.
• Schedules client appointments consistent with the issuance of WIC benefits and with the appropriate amount of allotted time based on appointment type.
• Collect and record accurate anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight and hemoglobin of women, infants, and children.
• Sets client-centered goals and provides ongoing breastfeeding and nutrition education as specified by nutrition education checklist or as directed by the clinic Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
• Performs general clerical duties such as answering phones, ordering clinic supplies, organization of educational materials and supplies in support of daily WIC functions.
• Maintains WIC files and records. Submits standard WIC forms and reports per state requirements and mandates.
• Consults with the appropriate WIC clinic staff regarding client status, changes in status, medical problems, and related issues. Refers high-risk clients to the WIC RD/High Risk Counselor.
• Makes referrals to services or outside agencies as appropriate for health care, food banks, Medicaid, and social services assistance.
• Attends nutrition education training for WIC Educator through the Nutrition and Family Health Division, National WIC Association and/or regional Colorado State WIC trainings when available.
• Complies with ACHD confidentiality policies and demonstrates accountability for the proper use of clients’ protected health information.
• Other duties as assigned. 

WIC Educator Specialist:
In addition to the duties above, the Educator Specialist also performs the following:

• Assists in training new staff and interns and teaching anthropometric and hemoglobin collection, documentation, and universal precautions. Collaborates with community partners and organizations in coordinating outreach events for Nutrition and Family Health Division and WIC Program.  
• Attends community outreach events at least once a year sharing appropriate program information and materials. 
• Independently facilitates a topic at staff meeting and/or assists in planning a staff meeting twice a year. 
• Assists with special projects and/or participates committees. 
• Acts as point of contact for clinic staff when Lead WIC Educator and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are unavailable. 
• Incorporates cultural differences and traditions into counseling and modifies nutrition recommendations, supportive of client’s needs based on a health equity lens. 
• .Works toward advancing breastfeeding knowledge by completing the WIC Lactation Specialist (WLS), and/or Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

WIC Educator:

Knowledge of: Basic nutrition and health principles as it relates to public health practices. Adams County Health Department services and related community resources. Universal precautions
 

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to provide instruction and educational information to individuals and groups.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other ACHD employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.

• Acquire WIC State level I, II and III certifications within program timelines.

WIC Educator Specialist: 

In addition to the qualifications above, the WIC Educator Specialist will possess the following: 
 
Ability to: Complete all Adams County and Adams County Public Health required trainings within one year of employment.

WIC Educator: 

Experience: One year experience in general customer service, food and nutrition, public health, or a closely related field. 
Education and Training: High School diploma or GED equivalent.

WIC Educator Specialist:

Experience: 1 year experience as a WIC Educator or in a closely related field/position. 

Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent.

Certification and Training: Advanced breastfeeding training, such as WIC Lactation Specialist (WLS) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is required.

 

All Levels:      

License: Possession of a valid driver's license and dependable transportation. 

Background Check: Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check. 

Other:

• Bilingual candidates are preferred and are eligible to earn incentive based on use.
• Must commit to a learning mindset and continuous improvement regarding the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work within Adams County and at Adams County Health Department including work style, training, communication, and evaluation.
• Potential approval of hybrid telework schedule, subject to change based on operational need.

Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer and associated hardware and software, telephone, copier, fax, and standard medical equipment such as a stadiometer, scale and hemoglobin. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• This role remains in a semi-stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.  
• Occasionally, this role will move about to accomplish tasks by walking or traveling from one department to another, or by traveling from one worksite to another. 
• This position’s physical demands are assessed to be light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
• This role constantly communicates with others to exchange information by speaking and writing, and that includes repeating motions that include wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• This position can expect no adverse environmental conditions as work is performed in an office building.