Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Communicate with patients, families and providers face-to-face, over the phone, and via text
• Obtains and documents demographic information, height/length, weight, hemoglobin and hematocrit, oral assessment, nutrition assessment and other necessary medical and/or health information to certify WIC participants. Local agency (LA) staff shall document all data obtained in the Management Information System (MIS). (Refer to the Health and Nutrition Assessment Handbook.)
• Completes a nutrition assessment on the day of certification for all participants
• Identifies high-risk participants and schedules them to see the nutritionist. The CPA shall assign the participant a monthly issuance cycle and complete a SOAP note
• Assists in the promotion and support of breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding
• Completes a breastfeeding assessment. When a mother requests formula supplementation, provide proper counseling, and if formula must be given, provide the minimum amount needed while offering counseling and support in order to help the mother establish a successful milk supply
• May issue manual or electric breast pumps to breastfeeding participants per policy 2.1.030.
• May act as the breastfeeding coordinator (2.1.010) if assigned by the LA
• Determines eligibility and assign risk factors
• Provides nutrition education and counseling about non-high-risk risk factors and topics
• Prescribes appropriate food packages, exempt formulas and WIC-eligible nutritionals in accordance with policies and procedures
• Coordinates nutrition services with medical providers as appropriate.
• Provides relevant health/nutrition information and referral services to participants.
• Participates in staff in-services and training sessions related to WIC policies and procedural changes.
• May conduct training as assigned by supervising staff
• The WIC staff shall adhere to policy 8.1.030 to ensure program integrity
• Clearly and accurately documents all patient and family encounters
• Prepares for and participates in regular meetings with staff and others as required
• Collaborates in the development of and contributes to individual, team, and agency quality improvement and evaluation activities
• Collaborates and assists in various agency coalitions
• Adheres to agency policies and guidelines
• Helps ensure compliance with applicable regulations• Represents agency to external partners, groups, and the general public
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with fellow staff members and promotes a positive working environment
• Promotes and participates in relationship building with other organizations, agencies, or individuals
• Provides support for and/or participates in agency community outreach activities, as directed
• Protects and safeguards confidential agency and client information; exercises sound judgment and caution in communication and transmission of information
• All employees of the agency are considered emergency responders and may be expected to respond in the event of a public health threat or emergency; this may include, but is not limited to, requirements to work longer shifts, nights, or weekends; alternate working locations; performance of duties other than the daily routine
• Other duties as required/assigned

Minimum Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Registered nurse (RN), physician or physician’s assistant, dietetic technician, registered (DTR) with an associate degree, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, public health, health education, health science, biomedical science, education or related field subject to SA technical assistance (TA) nutritionist approval.
• OR four consecutive years of WIC experience or Breastfeeding Peer Counselor within the last six years may be substituted for education
• Undergraduate nutrition hours are preferred but not required.
• The CPA must complete a minimum total of six nutrition or breastfeeding-related continuing education units (CEUs) annually. One CEU must be breastfeeding-related.
• Community health experience is desirable.
• Skill in accurately obtaining and analyzing anthropometric measurements and nutrition assessment of participants
• Skill in planning and organizing work assignments.
• Demonstration of rapport-building skills by establishing and maintaining effective working relations with WIC participants, WIC team members and other health and social services personnel.
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition and food, particularly in relation to health and disease.
• Knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding and understanding of how to support the breastfeeding mother.
• Some knowledge of adult learning principles, stages of change and basic counseling methods
• Some knowledge of social, cultural and economic problems and their impact on public health concerns.
• Effective use of educational materials when providing nutrition education and counseling.
• Basic understanding of core public health functions, competencies, and essential services
• Ability to accurately record medical data
• Strong documentation skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups on complex issues• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to the agency’s mission
• Willingness to engage in personal development, continuous learning, and ongoing training
• Must be able to attend job-related events, meetings, and trainings
• Physical environment is indoor office setting; performs bending, kneeling, sorting, twisting, and reaching; grips, holds, and carries objects; must be able to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and phone; some prolonged sitting, standing, and walking; lifting, pushing, pulling objects weighing up to 30 pounds
• Valid Missouri Driver’s License and personal vehicle access are required

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and
the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. It is not intended to be an
exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the
position.