Nutrition Aide

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Nutrition Aide will provide nutrition services for WIC participants.  This position reports to the WIC Coordinator or site Supervisor.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Provide participant centered education, nutrition assessment, education and counseling using participant centered education techniques to women participants, and parents/guardians of infants and children participating in the WIC program
• Identify high risk participants and refer these participants to the WIC dietitian
• Determine eligibility/participating of WIC applicants
• Complete and review computer forms and/or data entry into computer
• Construct and update the monthly WIC schedule under the direction of WIC Dietitian
• Issue food vouchers packages and instruct participants in their use
• Communicate with local venders regarding WIC-specific shopping or customer service issues as needed.
• Participate in or teach group nutrition education activities
• Translate program information/materials as needed
• Order WIC Program materials/brochures for use in educational activities
• Attend staff meetings as assigned
• Breastfeeding duties as assigned
• Demonstrate, use, and issue breast pumps to breastfeeding participants
• Leads breastfeeding chat groups and documents as required
• Provides breastfeeding support for WIC participants. Refers to WIC International Board Certified Lactation Consultant as needed
• Promote breastfeeding as the norm to all pregnant and postpartum WIC participants and their families 
• Travel to different sites as needed 
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• One year paid experience in a WIC program or other health program providing education or counseling services
• Knowledge and understanding of the Hispanic culture
• Bilingual in Spanish and English; written and verbal
• Ability to type 35 wpm; applicant to furnish certification
• Knowledge of basic nutrition principles
• Valid California driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and personal transportation

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of nutrition and dietary principles to assess nutritional needs and provide counseling and education to WIC participants

Knowledge of instructional skills and educational techniques to influence and guide nutritional care of patients for health maintenance

Knowledge of inventory techniques and procedures

Ability to prepare routine records and reports

Ability to translate material into appropriate language

Ability to communicate clearly

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and public

Ability to identify problems, provide information, and recommend solutions

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires frequent walking and standing for prolonged periods of time.  Requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.  Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity necessary to utilize computer keyboard in preparing reports and computing food amounts and nutrients.  Requires exposure to communicable disease.  Requires ability to drive automobile or similar transportation to attend various clinics and other functions.  Requires lifting of boxes and papers up to 50 pounds occasionally.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to communicable disease, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment. Work weekends as needed.