8947 - Health Assistant - WIC Certifier (Health & Human Services)

Jackson County•Medford, OR

About The Position

Jackson County’s WIC program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and community support to income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. The Oregon WIC Program is committed to health equity and to maintaining a welcoming, trauma-informed work environment that reflects and supports the diversity of its participants, partners, and communities. The Health Assistant performs health-related duties such as evaluating clients’ nutritional needs, providing basic health care, instruction and counseling, sharing health information, and carrying out clinical tasks. The role performs journey-level work that may include complex technical and analytical duties, generally using established procedures with occasional instruction or assistance. Work is normally reviewed upon completion and for overall results. The position is represented by SEIU. Employment is contingent on passing a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen, and submitting an acceptable DMV-certified court print. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. Spanish fluency and certain certifications or training may be required depending on the program or assignment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and three years of responsible experience providing direct care in a health care setting, health promotion, or related teaching experience; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Basic knowledge of health care and nutrition, medical and community health resources, medical record-keeping, safety procedures, safe use of medical instruments and equipment, and modern office procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply state and local community-health laws, policies, and procedures; understand public health program delivery; administer routine medical tests and take anthropometric measurements accurately; organize tasks and manage time; and work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to exercise initiative, tact, and good judgment with people from varied backgrounds; communicate effectively and sensitively with patients; follow detailed technical instructions; use mathematics to compute totals and analyze statistics; operate computers, office equipment, and basic medical equipment; and maintain accurate, confidential records.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, read medical and equipment reference materials, handle frequent interruptions professionally, and respond responsibly in emergency or dangerous situations.
Pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen, and submit an acceptable DMV-certified court print before hire.
May be required to complete Oregon WIC Competent Professional Authority Training within six months of hire.
May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certification within six months of hire.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and medical instruments and machinery, and perform duties involving bending, reaching, grasping, standing for extended periods, and moving around the office.
May need to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients, depending on the program.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an accredited lactation program with client counseling experience may be required for some positions.
Spanish fluency may be required in some programs.
Possession of certifications specific to the assigned community health program may be required.

Responsibilities

Introduce clients to program procedures and services, and determine program eligibility using approved criteria as appropriate.
Counsel clients and refer them to health or social service agencies as appropriate.
Teach or counsel individuals, families, and groups on topics such as disease containment, treatment and prevention, family planning, and general health; schedule and prepare classes.
Complete WIC certification tasks, including assessing nutritional risks, prescribing food packages, providing nutrition-focused counseling, promoting breastfeeding, and supporting or referring participants to health care and community services.
Identify high-risk participants and refer them to appropriate providers.
Assist with obtaining patient health histories and maintain accurate, current patient records and health program statistics.
Perform administrative and clerical duties as needed, including entering data in the electronic health record system, preparing reports and mailings, handling calls and correspondence, scheduling appointments, answering questions, billing, and assisting the public.
Perform routine screenings and anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, vital signs, head circumference, and hematocrit/hemoglobin; venipuncture may also be performed.
Record and explain screening results to clients or their parents/legal guardians, and notify a nurse or other practitioner of abnormal results.
Operate medical equipment and instruments to perform basic health screening tests, including hemoglobin testing.
Present basic health and nutrition information to individuals and groups and assist with developing health education materials.
Help plan, implement, or coordinate special projects, programs, sub-programs, activities, and procedures as assigned.
Train other employees in project procedures, equipment operations, and technical matters as needed.
Follow regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required training, and safe work practices.
Maintain effective working relationships, attend work regularly and reliably, and work overtime when required.