WIC Health Specialist (full-time or part-time)

Community Health Center of the North Country•Canton, NY

45d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our team is seeking dedicated WIC Health Specialist candidates to join our Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) team. The WIC Health Specialist supports the mission, goals, and objectives of Community Health Center of the North Country by improving nutritional services within the WIC Program. Specialists work with infants, children, and their caregivers, as well as pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum mothers. The Health Specialist will provide participant-centered nutrition assessments, education, and counseling tailored to participant needs. Duties may include general nutrition services and/or high-risk nutrition care, based on credentials and experience. The Specialist will also be cross-trained to determine participant eligibility for the WIC program and to support general clinic operations.

Requirements

Candidates must have flexibility in available work hours and be available to travel daily within and between St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties.
Candidates must have a valid driver’s license.
Opportunities are available for candidates with at least one of the following educational requirements: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) or Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Nutrition (preferred), OR Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate health-related field with at least six (6) credit hours in nutrition, OR Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (DTR/NDTR), OR Registered Nurse (RN) with Bachelor’s degree
For the otherwise-qualified candidate, up to three (3) of the required six (6) hours of nutrition education may be taken within six (6) months from the first date of employment.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates knowledge of and commitment to the organization’s Mission Statement. Adheres to all safety, infection control, and Department of Health policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
Conducts and documents participant-centered nutrition assessments and counseling. Determines participant eligibility and prescribes or tailors WIC food packages within the scope of qualifications. Provides follow-up, referrals, and ongoing nutrition education to support health and wellness goals. Supports breastfeeding participants and promotes a breastfeeding-friendly environment. Performs anthropometric and hematology measurements as required. Depending on qualifications: Nutritionists provide core nutrition assessments and education for participants with basic to moderate nutritional needs. High-Risk Nutritionists provide advanced-level nutrition assessments, develop and oversee high-risk care plans, and offer guidance to other staff on complex nutrition cases.
Accurately documents all assessments, counseling sessions, referrals, and follow-ups in NYWIC. Tracks participant progress toward identified health goals. Maintains up-to-date training records and completes required continuing education hours (per qualification level). May provide leadership in nutrition training, mentoring, and staff development if qualified.
Cross-trained to cover all areas of clinic operations (e.g., intake, participant measurements, scheduling, phones). Ensures efficient clinic flow and participant communication (including reminder calls and rescheduling). Participates in outreach and community engagement to increase WIC participation. Assists with temporary clinic set-up, transportation of materials, and maintaining organized clinic spaces.
Maintains open and effective communication with staff, WIC Director, and Nutrition Coordinator Reviews and applies relevant DOH and agency updates, policies, and memos Actively participates in meetings, committees, and organizational initiatives.
Attends required trainings and obtains continuing education per NYS WIC standards (12 hours annually). Demonstrates initiative for professional growth and continuous improvement.
Participates in outreach as assigned. Performs related duties as required to support the WIC program and the organization’s mission.