Community Planner - WIC

Job Summary

The WIC Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Scott and Carver Counties, including scheduling of WIC program staff. Coordinates the Peer Breastfeeding Support Program (PBSP) for Scott and Carver Counties. May also provide nutrition education and nutrition counseling.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Coordinates the operations of WIC nutrition clinics by providing guidance and direction to clinic staff on day-to-day clinic operation.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the WIC program by determining the needs of the target population, develops and implements services to meet those needs, and reviews the services for effectiveness and cost benefit.
• Performs WIC certification and recertification, including high-risk care plans, printing vouchers, and prescribing food packages. Schedules client appointments as necessary.
• Trains and monitors the work of WIC Nutrition Educators and other WIC staff; provides in-services, mentorship, and professional development; and completes chart audits.
• Plans and organizes staff trainings and conducts clinic coordinator meetings.
• Responsible for monthly staff schedule, ensuring that all clinics have adequate bilingual staff and are staffed in compliance with MN WIC rules, as well as monthly HuBERT schedule, for all WIC locations. Modifies schedule and staffing to meet client needs.
• Oversees WIC’s high-risk program; trains high risk counselors, monitors referrals for accuracy and appropriateness; coordinates care by collaborating with Public Health Nurses, Registered Nurses, and medical providers to develop appropriate nutrition intervention and monitoring for high-risk clients.
• Organizes and carries out designated specialized WIC program services by promoting WIC program services and breastfeeding to staff and WIC mothers; prepares annual or biannual WIC nutrition education plans and/or breastfeeding plans; screens client and physician requests for special infant formula; monitors fraud to determine and apply sanctions; analyzes WIC data for program improvement; and updates community referral resources for WIC families.
• Manages and oversees the budget of the WIC Peer Breastfeeding Program grant and trains peer breastfeeding counselors that reflect communities served, culturally and by language.
• Coordinates breastfeeding program requirements for Scott and Carver County staff and peer breastfeeding counselors including training, activities, and outreach; develops and monitors an annual breastfeeding education plan; provides and seeks out appropriate breastfeeding training opportunities for WIC staff; and monitors breastfeeding initiation and duration rates for Scott and Carver County WIC participants, tailoring staff education to improve outcomes.
• Represents the program at agency-wide and community meetings.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of human behavior, cultural diversities, and language barriers to ensure equitable service delivery.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Includes but is not limited to emergency preparedness and response, including fulfilling roles in an incident command structure as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, or a related field. or related field and two years' community-based public health experience, public health nursing experience, correctional health, or other related nursing or community-based dietetics/clinic nutrition experience. Must be registered or eligible to be registered as a Dietetic Technician by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Two years of experience providing direct WIC service is desired. One must possess a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

With latitude for independent judgment, the employee works under the auspices of the WIC program guidelines and under general supervision of the Public Health Director. Work is performed according to established procedures and verbal or written instructions. Work is reviewed by the supervisor for accuracy and adherence to established procedures. Incumbent performs as lead worker for program activities and provides guidance and work direction for program efforts and staff.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of software applications including databases and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of maternal, child, adolescent, and adult nutrition.
• Knowledge of nutrition as it pertains to health and disease.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of local food, nutrition, and health care services for possible client referral.
• Knowledge of eligibility criteria for food assistance programs.
• Knowledge of reimbursement regulations and third-party payment options.
• Knowledge of both federal and MN WIC laws and regulations.
• Abilities - Ability to prepare multi-faceted reports and maintain records.
• Ability to train and develop clinic and office staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret medical terminology.
• Ability to assess nutritional status of women, infants, and children.
• Ability to draft and implement dietary care plans.
• Ability to interview, teach, and counsel clients and members of the community.
• Ability to make presentations to groups on WIC and nutrition topics.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Ability to perform nutrition assessments of individuals with complex nutritional problems.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, occurring both in an office and in the field in community-based settings. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of multiple stakeholders. Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. In the event of an emergency, physical requirements will increase and be more demanding in all areas listed. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.