WIC Program Assistant

Optimus Health Care, Inc.•Waterbury, CT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for being a member of the WIC team, working with Nutritionist, Nutrition Aide and Director of Nutrition Services to ensure the complete and timely client flow and process. Optimus Health Care is the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County and is looking for dedicated professionals to join their team. With multiple locations in Bridgeport, Stratford, and Stamford, their mission is to be a lifelong health care partner, dedicated to achieving optimal wellness for the communities they serve. They operate on a team-based model of care delivered in a kind and compassionate manner. This position is located in Waterbury, CT.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalency.
At least two (2) years of experience working in a medical office or at least one (1) year of experience working in a WIC setting strongly preferred.
The ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in English and another language when the Director of Nutrition Services or Program Nutritionist deems appropriate.
Basic arithmetic skills.
Ability to deescalate/reason when dealing with irate participants.
Professional attitude, vision, understanding of customer service principals, intuitiveness, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills.
Demonstrates a positive work ethic that recognizes all WIC families of varying socio-economic, ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Interacts and communicates effectively with co-workers, WIC families and community members in a professional and respectful manner.
Maintains confidentiality of information regarding WIC families, staff and program issues in compliance with Federal, State and local laws and specifications noted in Joint Service Agreements with other agencies.

Nice To Haves

At least one (1) year of experience working in a WIC setting strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Greeting all clients/visitors entering the WIC office while always maintaining a courteous professional attitude.
Answering the phone, handling calls for requests for general information, rescheduling appointments, lost eWIC cards, etc. as assigned by Director of Nutrition Services.
Explaining WIC services, benefits, and policies to clients.
Assisting in the certification of WIC applicants by interviewing to obtain basic demographic data, verifying identity, residency, and income eligibility by reviewing paperwork, and entering all data into CT-WIC.
Assigning eWIC cards and replacing them according to State guidelines.
Adhering to Federal and State guidelines when determining an applicant’s eligibility.
Performing calls to participants including but not limited to those that appear in the termination report, missed appointment report, short certification report.
Scheduling participants for appointments: nutrition education, initial certification, subsequent and food package changes.
Issuing WIC benefits and distributing necessary paperwork to WIC clients.
Providing ID card and folder, vendor list and WIC food list to participant.
Assisting participants with explanation and completion of forms (caretaker forms, voter registration forms).
Performing necessary paperwork, as assigned, including maintaining participant files and accurate documentation.
Maintaining participant confidentiality.
Providing breastfeeding promotion and support as appropriate.
Recording hours worked on quarterly time study form.
Assisting in the preparation of materials (e.g., newsletters), visual aids (e.g., bulletin boards or program displays), and activities (e.g., health fairs) in conjunction with other local agency staff.
Attending and participating in all training and continuing education sessions offered by the WIC Program and State WIC office.
Answering phone, directing calls, answering questions, and screening potential participants.
Handling appointment scheduling and rescheduling in CT-WIC.
Greeting and checking in participants, managing the flow of people in the reception area, and directing participants to appropriate staff.
Keeping an adequate supply of referrals and program pamphlets for participants.
Monitoring reports assigned by Director.
Assisting Director of Nutrition Services in outreach activities.
Verifying category, identity, income, and residency to determine WIC eligibility in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
Collecting and entering participant demographic data.
Reading/explaining WIC rights and responsibilities to participant.
Making required referrals to Medicaid, SNAP and other non-WIC and health services as needed.
Explaining food list and vendor list to participants as needed.
Issuing WIC food package in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
Ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, and attention to detail in record keeping, scheduling and follow-up, while maintaining efficiency in the office.
Being responsive to quality assurance feedback from supervisor.
Recording hours worked on quarterly time study in CT-WIC.
Performing other job-related duties as necessary or assigned by the Director.