WIC Educator

NATIVE HEALTH•Phoenix, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The WIC Educator provides services to applicants and clients of NATIVE HEALTH’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The role works in a busy clinic setting and coordinates with internal and external health care and social services providers. It reports directly to the WIC Supervisor under the general supervision of the Community Health and Wellness Director. The educator conducts nutrition assessments and counseling, develops participant-centered care plans, supports breastfeeding, performs WIC certification and recertification functions within scope of practice, and maintains accurate program documentation. The position also supports compliance, community education and outreach, quality improvement, reporting, inventory, professional development, and collaboration with WIC staff and community partners. Work is performed at NATIVE HEALTH clinics in the Greater Phoenix area. Work hours vary according to business needs, workflow, and assignments; weekend hours may be required. The role has physical requirements that include lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, frequent movement and postures, prolonged computer use, and ascending and descending stairs.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Complete the ITCA competency-based training program for WIC Educator duties within 60 days of hire.
Complete college courses paid by ITCA with passing grades at Central Arizona College Dietetic Education Program within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, common health conditions and their nutritional implications, infant formulas, and growth and pregnancy weight-gain grids.
Knowledge of WIC certification and eligibility, authorized foods and food packages, and applicable federal nutrition programs.
Knowledge of breastfeeding promotion and support, common breastfeeding concerns, counseling, and appropriate referrals within scope of practice.
Knowledge of community health and social service resources, American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal governments, and cultural influences on nutrition and health.
Skill in nutrition assessment, counseling, and participant-centered services, including rapport building, affirmations, open-ended questions, reflections, summarizing, and collaborative goal setting.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to facilitate group discussions and educational classes.
Strong organization and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive records.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and potentially stressful environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet-based applications, and ability to learn additional software and technology.
Valid, unrestricted Arizona driver’s license (within 30 days of hire for out-of-state applicants), acceptable driving record, and ability to remain insurable under NATIVE HEALTH’s liability auto policy.
Pass a criminal background check and obtain and maintain a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within the first 90 calendar days of employment.
Pass pre-employment substance abuse testing and submit to random testing during employment.
Provide an updated immunization record upon employment and a current TB skin report (within 12 months) upon employment, with annual updates.
Obtain Basic Life Support certification within 90 calendar days of employment and maintain it during employment.
Meet physical requirements including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, kneeling, walking, standing, sitting, stair use, prolonged computer and writing tasks, repetitive use of hands and eyes, and the ability to talk, hear, see, listen, and understand.

Nice To Haves

Dietetic Technician Registered credential or an associate degree in Nutrition, with successful completion of the ITCA competency-based training program.
Nutritionist with a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition, or Home Economics with an emphasis in Nutrition; Registered Dietitian; or Registered Nurse, with successful completion of the ITCA competency-based training program within 60 days of hire.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Experience working with American Indian/Alaska Native communities.
Experience providing nutrition counseling to minority populations.
Experience in the WIC Program.
Experience and knowledge using a case management or database system.
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Responsibilities

Conduct nutrition assessments for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children in accordance with applicable policies.
Assess nutrition risks; provide individualized nutrition counseling; develop care plans and achievable nutrition goals; and provide follow-up support.
Obtain and document anthropometric and hematological measurements, including height, weight, hemoglobin, and pregnancy weight-gain assessments.
Assign appropriate food packages and special formulas in accordance with program regulations and document them accurately.
Identify high-risk participants and coordinate referrals to a Registered Dietitian or other appropriate health care professionals.
Perform WIC certification and recertification functions within the scope of practice.
Promote breastfeeding and provide education and counseling on common breastfeeding concerns within scope of practice.
Assess breast pump eligibility, issue pumps according to policy, instruct participants on use, milk storage, and cleaning, and complete required follow-up.
Refer complex breastfeeding concerns to designated breastfeeding specialists or other appropriate professionals.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely electronic records of assessments, counseling, food packages, referrals, and follow-up.
Comply with applicable USDA, WIC ITCA, NATIVE HEALTH, federal, and state regulations and policies; protect participant confidentiality; and complete required compliance training.
Conduct vendor monitoring, including site reviews and documentation of participant vendor complaints.
Plan and facilitate individual and group nutrition education, food demonstrations, and community presentations as needed.
Participate in outreach, health fairs, recruitment efforts, breastfeeding awareness initiatives, nutrition campaigns, and other community health promotion activities.
Assist with quality improvement, program evaluations, audits, and quality assurance activities; document data for required reporting.
Support inventory and accountability of educational materials and breastfeeding equipment, and identify opportunities to improve materials, engagement, and service delivery.
Maintain current professional knowledge and participate in required training, conferences, workshops, continuing education, and educational courses.
Coordinate participant care with WIC staff, Registered Dietitians, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, health care providers, and community partners.
Complete administrative assignments, reports, logs, and inventories accurately and on time; support department initiatives, special projects, accreditation activities, and organizational events.
Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, customer service, and commitment to NATIVE HEALTH’s mission and participant-centered care; perform other assigned duties.