WIC Program Assistant-Nutrition Assistant-Temporary Roll

Caring Health Center•Springfield, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cross-Trained WIC Program & Nutrition Assistant provides administrative and nutrition service support to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. The role combines front-desk operations with nutrition services for low-risk participants after the employee completes required training and earns Competent Professional Authority (CPA) certification. The position supports participant intake, certification processing, benefit issuance, and scheduling, while helping ensure efficient clinic flow and compliance with federal and state WIC regulations. The employee works collaboratively with nutritionists, program leadership, and other WIC staff. The position includes reception and administrative duties, processing certifications and recertifications, and issuing WIC food and formula benefits. Following CPA I training and certification, the employee provides nutrition services to low-risk child participants. Following CPA II certification, the employee may provide nutrition services to low-risk participants across WIC categories, including infants, children, prenatal, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals. The position works at multiple WIC clinic sites as needed. Administrative work is supervised by the Program Director and Assistant Director, and nutrition service responsibilities are supervised by the Senior Nutritionist. Performance is evaluated annually, and nutrition service delivery may be observed regularly using the Counseling Evaluation Guide.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
At least one year of general office or administrative experience.
Strong computer skills.
Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
Sensitivity to the needs of WIC participants.
Ability and willingness to work at multiple clinic sites and during scheduled clinic hours.
Complete the CPA I Training Program and obtain acceptable status.
Complete the CPA II Training Program as required by program operations.
Obtain certification before independently performing CPA-level nutrition services.

Nice To Haves

Experience in health care, public health, community programs, or social services.
Interest in nutrition, health education, or community health.

Responsibilities

Answer and direct incoming phone calls and screen applicant inquiries for preliminary eligibility.
Schedule and reschedule participant appointments and conduct reminder calls.
Greet participants, direct them to appropriate staff, monitor participant flow, and help manage waiting areas.
Complete clerical and administrative tasks as required.
Process participant certifications and recertifications, including verifying identity, residency, income, and participant category.
Enter and document participant information accurately in the WIC management information system.
Educate participants about WIC program rights and responsibilities and provide guidance on approved foods and use of benefits at authorized vendors.
Issue notifications related to certification status, missed benefits, or program eligibility.
Issue and reissue WIC food and formula prescriptions and maintain secure control of WIC card stock and benefit materials.
After CPA I certification, collect anthropometric and hematological measurements and complete dietary and nutritional risk assessments for low-risk child participants.
After CPA I certification, assign appropriate WIC food packages, provide nutrition counseling and education, document nutrition information, make referrals when appropriate, and provide follow-up support.
After CPA II certification, provide nutrition assessments and counseling to low-risk participants across WIC categories, including infants, children, prenatal, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals.
After CPA II certification, assign and adjust food prescriptions, provide nutrition and breastfeeding education, document services, make referrals, and deliver follow-up nutrition education.
Assist in developing and preparing nutrition education materials and support group nutrition education activities when applicable.
Participate in program quality assurance and compliance activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinic operations.