Working title: WIC Nutrition Educator

Classification title: Competent Professional Authority (CPA) - WIC

Division: Public Health- Health Provision                                    

Program: WIC

Reports to: WIC/FHS Manager

FLSA status: Non-Exempt; Full-time

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 8am-5pm -Wednesdays 9am-6pm

Wage Range: $20.48 to $26.06 hourly; depending on number of years of transferrable experience and internal equity

Organizational Overview

Serving the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years, RiverStone Health is an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health, Education, Leadership and Protection – HELP is what we do.  From medical, dental and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services like immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals, our expertise spans all ages and stages of life.  Underlying principles of access, affordability, compassion and quality in all interactions, RiverStone Health improves life, health and safety for all of the communities we serve.

Foremost, we are committed to the values of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) by cultivating an environment that protects and acknowledges the unique identities within our diverse community. 

WIC Program Overview: 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 by providing healthy foods, nutrition and breastfeeding education, and referrals to health and social services. 

Job Summary:

The WIC Nutrition Educator will conduct nutrition and health assessments, determine nutrition risk, provide individualized nutrition and breastfeeding education, and make referrals to professional and community resources. This position works as a member of a team in providing direct services for women, infants, and children.

Essential Functions/Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

A.   Nutrition Educator Services                                                           95%

• Interview clients regarding their health and nutrition history, using motivational interviewing and displaying non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills. 

• Provide participant-centered, up-to-date, and culturally relevant nutrition and breastfeeding education and support

• Obtain weight, length, and hemoglobin’s as prescribed by program

• Refer participants to RiverStone Health and community resources as needed

• Provide knowledgeable breastfeeding support for mothers and infants. (Training provided).

• Input data into WIC computer system in accurate and timely manner, and according to standards developed by State WIC Program and local WIC agency policies and procedures.

• Travel to outlying sites, as needed, and in all seasons, to provide WIC services. This includes driving an agency vehicle as well as loading, unloading and movement of equipment and supplies.

• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy of customers and clients at all times.

• Display flexibility and teamwork while performing tasks, with the goal of exemplary Customer Service. This may include covering for other WIC staff, as needed, to maintain delivery of WIC services.

• Maintain work and customer waiting areas in a manner that presents the program as welcoming, clean, sanitary and organized.

• Attend staff and program meetings and trainings as required. This may include occasional out of town travel.

Non-Essential Functions/Other duties as assigned                            ≥5%

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of RiverStone Health’s mission and goals.

Education and Experience: 

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant must have a 2 or 4 year degree in a health-related field (such as Nursing, Health Promotion, Health and Human Development, Early Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, et.al.)  The degree course work must include 6 or more semester hours in food and nutrition appropriate to the WIC population (including Basic Nutrition, Nutrition in the Life Cycle, Community Nutrition, or Nutrition and Disease).
• Applicant must have successfully completed a college-level Anatomy and Physiology series of coursework within the past ten years (unless Applicant has been working in the Nutrition field).
• Other degreed professionals with 12 or more semester credit hours in foods and nutrition, and successful completion of the Anatomy and Physiology coursework, may be considered. This coursework may be completed within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with underserved population
• Experience working in a customer service environment

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid State of Montana Driver’s License in good standing.
• Required to obtain emergency preparedness on the job training at a minimum of ICS 100, 200, and 700.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Computer literacy, in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.
• Ability to display non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills.
• High degree of detail-oriented skill level.
• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive work environment.
• Ability to understand and adhere to required administrative policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure efficiencies and quality customer service.

Customer Service Excellence: 

• Doing things right the first time
• Making people feel welcome
• Showing respect for each customer
• Anticipating customer needs and concerns
• Keeping customers informed
• Helping and going the extra mile
• Responding quickly
• Protecting privacy and confidentiality
• Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette
• Taking responsibility for handling complaints
• Being professional
• Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

Supervision: 

• None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is mainly performed in a clinic setting.
• Some travel in an agency vehicle is required throughout the year.
• Ability to lift and carrying educational materials of up to 25 pounds.
• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to safety, security, and health requirements. Integrates injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making: 

• Uses independent judgement to determine appropriate referrals.

Communications & Networking: 

• Daily written and verbal communication with clients and RiverStone staff.

Budget & Resource Management: 

NA