WIC Education Specialist in Divide, Colorado at Teller County Government

Teller County's Public Health & Environment Department is seeking a full time WIC Education Specialist to serve as the primary coordinator for Teller County's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, overseeing participant services, program administration, and community partnerships. Provides nutrition education, eligibility determination, case management, and resource coordination to support the nutritional health of women, infants, and children while ensuring compliance with all program standards and regulations.

What You'll Do:

Coordinate and implement all WIC program operations for Teller County in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Determine eligibility by conducting interviews, health screenings, and nutritional assessments, including height, weight, and hemoglobin measurements.

Act as Case Manager to enroll participants, analyze nutritional risk factors, and tailor food benefit packages to individual needs.

Provide nutrition education and counseling, collaborating with participants to set behavior change goals and monitor progress.

Manage clinic operations, including appointment scheduling, waitlist maintenance, and equipment sanitation and calibration.

Serve as System Administrator, ensuring accurate data entry, record maintenance, and security of benefit cards and supplies.

Coordinate with retailers to monitor compliance, provide policy updates, and train store staff on program procedures.

Facilitate community referrals, connecting high-risk participants with appropriate healthcare and social service resources.

Educate and mentor staff, including nurses and administrative staff, on updated program policies, procedures, and certification requirements.

Maintain strict confidentiality while treating all participants with professional respect, compassion, and empathy.

Complete all mandatory training and reporting for local and state agencies within established timelines.

Participate in ongoing WIC training sessions (WIC Lactation Specialist training as required) and State WIC conferences as required.

Promote and advocate for breastfeeding by providing individual education, clinical support, and guidance to participants as needed.

Execute strategic community outreach initiatives throughout the year to enhance program visibility and increase enrollment within the service area.

Provide support to Public Health & Environment Director and High-Risk Counselor as requested.

What You'll Bring:

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree in nutrition or related field preferred
• Previous WIC program experience preferred
• Two (2) years working with the public
• WIC Educator Advanced Lactation credentials are desirable
• Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be substitute

You should also have the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction; socio-economic conditions of the community and social agencies; effective interviewing and counseling techniques.

Skilled in: Use of basic computer software programs; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; maintaining confidentiality; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with minimum direction and supervision; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and local regulations; maintaining accurate and detailed records; conducting participant interviews, assessments, and nutrition counseling; utilizing clinical screening equipment and procedures; performing basic health measurements and blood screening tests; communicating effectively with diverse populations; and supporting informed infant feeding decisions through participant-centered education and counseling.

Ability to: Communicate effectively in writing and verbally; establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with co-workers, other county departments, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public; maintain confidentiality and discretion; be a self-starter; successfully accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously while working independently or within a team environment; work with minimal supervision; interact with a variety of people, cultures, problems and circumstances; analyze and resolve problems involving several variables; understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy

Additional Details About the Role:

Visual, Auditory, and Communication Requirements: Ability to read and comprehend written information, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and perceive information necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Effort/Dexterity: Requires sufficient mobility and dexterity to conduct participant assessments, perform health screenings, operate clinic equipment, and complete other essential job functions. The position may require sitting or standing for extended periods and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Factors: Work is generally performed in an office and clinic environment with occasional exposure to blood and other bodily fluids while conducting participant screenings.

Work Schedule/Characteristics: 40 hours work week with a flexible clinic schedule in two county locations: Divide and Cripple Creek.

License/Certification Requirements: Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Colorado driver's license; CPR Certification or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire; WIC Educator Advanced Lactation credentials or ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the Department and program requirements

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range: $22.00 - $23.10 / hour

Status: Full-time, Non- Exempt

Location: Divide, CO, on site

When it comes to benefits, Teller County is committed to offering a comprehensive, affordable benefits package that meets the needs of our employees and their families.

· Two Meritain Aetna health plans to choose from –the County pays 50% to 100% of the premium depending on the plan you choose.

· HSA plan – the County contributes $1,250 for employee only and $2,500 for employee plus one or more dependents.

· Telehealth/Teledoc options – access quality healthcare from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break or while traveling.

· Dental, Vision and Prescription drug coverage.

· Basic and voluntary life coverage.

· 401a retirement plan – employees contribute 4% and the County matches 8%. You are fully vested in five years.

· 457b deferred comp plans – both pre- and post-tax options available.

· Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, 12 holidays, 1 floating holiday.

· Aflac, wellness programs, EAP, education assistance, employee discounts, uniform allowance.

Click here to review our full benefits package.

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis