WIC Nutritionist Assistant I

Fair Haven Community Health Care 

FHCHC is a forward-thinking, dynamic, and exciting community health center that provides care for multiple generations at nearly 140,000 office visits in 19 locations. Overseen by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom are patients themselves, we are proud to offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services, as well as evidence-based patient programs to educate patients in healthy lifestyle choices. As we grow and are able to bring high-quality health care to more areas that need access, we continue to put our patients first in everything we do. The mission of FHCHC is “To improve the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high quality, patient-centered care that is culturally responsive.”

For over 50 years, we have been a health care leader in our community focused on providing excellent, affordable primary care to all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Fair Haven is proud to have a diverse and motivated team of professionals who are constantly seeking ways to enhance and improve the health and well-being of all patients. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality medical and dental care, regardless of ability to pay.

Job purpose

Under immediate supervision, the WIC Nutrition Assistant I determines Women, Infant, and Children 
(WIC) applicant program eligibility and continuing eligibility, provides nutrition and breastfeeding information and education to program participants, evaluates nutritional needs, issues WIC food benefits, develops care plans for low-risk program participants, provides group classes, makes referrals, and performs other related tasks. 

Duties and responsibilities

Responsible for WIC program participant services and assists in the certification of WIC applicants including:

• Interviewing to obtain basic demographic data and verifying identity, residency, and income eligibility by reviewing paperwork presented and entering all data into CT WIC
• Assists in participant orientation including, but not limited to, general program information, approved food guide and Family Benefits List, eWIC and card use, program eligibility criteria, policies and procedures, and rights and responsibilities
• Collects and enters information for the certification process to include anthropometric and hematological data, and plotting on the appropriate growth chart
• Provides and documents general participant-centered nutrition education to include individual and family sessions, as well as group discussions (appropriate risk level only)
• Adequately documents participant contacts to ensure continuity of care, clearly identifying where participants are in the process of change, agreed upon goals and other pertinent information essential for supporting participants
• Performs follow up phone calls for all missed appointments
• Answers WIC phone, handles calls for requests for general information, scheduling and rescheduling appointments, lost WIC cards, etc. as assigned by Site Nutritionist/Manager
• Performs necessary paperwork including maintaining participant files and accurate documentation in accordance to State WIC regulations
• Provides and documents referrals to health and social service programs and appropriate documentation of follow up
• Promotes breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding method
• May assist in the preparation of nutrition education materials (e.g. newsletters, pamphlets), visual aids (e.g. bulletins, displays), and activities (e.g. classes)
• Participates in outreach opportunities
• Interprets for patients when needed
• Ensures patient confidentiality
• Attends and participates in all training and continuing education sessions offered by the State WIC Program
• Identifies and refers participants to a Nutritionist when an issue or concern is beyond the established scope of practice
• Performs other necessary duties as required by FHCHC to achieve the goal of providing primary health care. 

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalency with at least one year of experience working in a medical office or performing clerical duties. Additional education may be substituted for work history.

• Successful completion of WIC paraprofessional training program within one year of appointment to the position
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, in English and Spanish, preferred
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with participants
• Knowledge of nutrition and breastfeeding concepts and/or openness to learn and support positive feeding practices
• Knowledge of computer, data entry, and Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with CT WIC and Epic is preferred, but not required
• Effectively collaborates with the WIC and FHCHC staff to ensure quality services for WIC participants.

Direct Reports

None

OSHA Status

Category III—Low Risk Position

Generally works in an office environment with no exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Physical requirements

Physical Demands: Requires walking, bending, sitting, standing, writing, reading, telephone use, data input into computer, pulling medical records, Mental Demands: Ability to cope with continual changing priorities under potentially stressful conditions. Manual Dexterity Required:  Ability to use a keyboard, telephone.

American with Disabilities Requirements:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job specific responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case by case basis.

Fair Haven Community Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FHCHC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.