The WIC Educator provides services to applicants and clients of the NATIVE HEALTH Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The position is responsible for determining program eligibility, nutrition assessment, and nutrition education. This position functions in a busy clinic setting and coordinates with internal and external health care and social service providers.RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Assesses each client’s nutrition status, assigns the appropriate nutrition risks, and provides nutrition education that addresses the client’s needs using a participant-centered method.Takes height, weight and hemoglobin measures as needed and records information correctly.Assesses growth or weight gain during pregnancy accurately and explains to client so it is understandable.Identifies the need for individual care plans and develops goals and ways to meet goals with clients using a participant-centered approach.Documents assessment information, food package assignment, referrals, follow-up on referrals, nutrition counseling and other information for each client.Assigns appropriate food packages and ensures correct documentation when issuing foods and special formulas.Assesses breastfeeding status, provides education on basic breastfeeding problems within the scope of practice, and promotes and supports breastfeeding as the norm for infant feeding.Assesses all postpartum clients’ needs for a breast pump, issues breast pumps according to policy, provides education on how to use the breast pump and how to store breastmilk, and follows-up with clients after issuance.Refers clients to breastfeeding lead, RD, IBCLC or designated breastfeeding expert in the area when an identified breastfeeding problem is beyond scope of practice.Completes vendor site reviews and documents client vendor complaints according to ITCA policies and procedures.Provides WIC nutrition classes and food preparation demonstrations to clients.Performs functions of a certifier.Maintains current knowledge on nutrition and breastfeeding by attending classes, conferences, workshops, and seminars.Maintains confidentiality of client and vendor information.Refers high-risk clients to Registered Dietitian and all clients to applicable health and social services and follows-up on referrals.Attends civil rights training annually.Completes assignments and submit reports, logs, and inventory to the WIC Supervisor in a timely manner.Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
