WIC Nutritionist at Beacon Health System – South Bend, Indiana

Reports to the Clinic Supervisor. Is responsible for providing nutritional/health education, assessment and consultation. Duties include determining client eligibility; performing certifications; providing comprehensive health and nutritional counseling to individuals and groups, coordinating health promotion activities; and participating in Lead Screening, Breast Feeding/Peer Counseling and Immunization programs. Duties are performed in accordance with WIC legal and regulatory standards.

This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs the WIC certification process by:

• Identifying and assessing risk factor(s) for WIC clients, as well as determining eligibility.
• Scheduling clients for educational learning activities between certification appointments.
• Completing WIC enrollment forms and other paperwork necessary to complete the certification process.
• Determining appropriate food packages for clients; issuing "non-standard" packages based on targeted risk factors and physician recommendations.
• Making off-site visits to certify clients and/or issue vouchers.
• Completing individualized chart notes following the SOAP format.

Provides nutritional counseling and health education to clients by:

• Consistently promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the norm for mothers and infants and encouraging the duration of breastfeeding.
• Referring clients to the High-Risk Nutritionist for high-risk evaluations and comprehensive counseling.
• Interpreting and explaining the results of anthropometric measurements to clients.
• Encouraging WIC clients to participate in Lead Screening, Breast Feeding/Peer Counseling, and Immunization programs.
• Explaining qualifying risk factors and their consequences to clients.
• Providing prenatal participants with substance abuse information.
• Assessing intake information and making appropriate referrals to help clients access other clinic and/or community services.
• Performing high risk evaluations and comprehensive counseling on clients referred by
• Nutritionists or RN/Nutritionists.

Assists with the planning and implementation of the nutritional component of the local WIC program by:

• Developing and coordinating nutrition/health education classes.
• Providing nutritional consultation, education and in-services to staff members.
• Actively participating in the development, implementation and evaluation of the program's Nutrition Education Plan.
• Creating and evaluating educational materials for WIC clients such as pamphlets, handouts, bulletin boards, etc.

Participates in appropriate community activities by:

• Providing information, consultation and education to agencies/groups.
• Readily capturing opportunities to communicate information about WIC services; planning and participating in community health initiatives and activities.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Maintaining program viability by meeting individual and clinic caseload assignments.
• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a bachelor's degree in nutrition, Registered Dietician, or Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana. Completion of an American Dietetic Association-approved training program and attainment of American Dietetic Association registration or eligible is preferred. CPR certification is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires knowledge of community services and resources available to assist clients.
• Requires background knowledge in maternal/child, nutrition and public health issues and topics.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of food composition, normal nutrition and therapeutic nutrition.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in order to interact with diverse populations, program staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and diplomacy in working with socially disadvantaged clients.
• Requires good organizational and time management skills and the ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible in response to change and to analyze problems and make appropriate decisions.
• Requires advanced mathematical and analytical skills to perform various computations and prepare monthly reports.
• Requires basic knowledge of computer systems and applications.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office/clinic environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.