Nutrition Assistant - Lead Spanish Bilingual

Interview, determine eligibility for, certify, and recertify applicants and participants according to state and local guidelines; record participant eligibility, health, and dietary information on program forms and the online information system; review nutrition questionnaires and counsel low-risk participants on nutritional needs based on diet assessments and medical information; refer participants to a dietitian for higher level intervention when indicated; counsel participants on breastfeeding benefits, techniques, problem solving, and makes referrals to lactation specialist as needed; provide breastfeeding support and telephone follow-up to WIC participants; obtain required records from providers with permission from applicants/participants to assist in processing certifications; make referrals to appropriate agencies/programs in the community; assist with translating and/or interpreting information, forms, letters, and other program materials if able to speak, read, and write in a designated second language as well as in English; conduct orientation to new participants on WIC program policies, procedures, and use of WIC cards; orient participants on use of the Farmer’s Market Program; issue Farmer’s Market coupons, make reminder calls to participants regarding utilization of coupons, and keep coupon issuance records according to program policy; process, print, and issue WIC cards to participants according to program policy; teach nutrition education classes when necessary; work at intake/reception as assigned; assist in daily setup and cleanup of clinic; answer phones, respond to questions regarding the program, and provide information related to the program and services, schedule appointments, refer callers to other community services and contact participants by phone or mail as needed; maintain daily records and files; assist participants in processing vendor complaints; handle minor participant problems/questions or refer them as needed to a supervisor; represent WIC at community events, health fairs, and partner with local programs such as Healthy Start and Nutrition on the Go as assigned; assist in training of new staff, as well as volunteers and interns/students; perform duties with a higher degree of independence than a Nutrition Assistant II, including a proficient use of motivational interviewing and participant-centered education techniques; cleans and sanitizes electric breast pumps, issues and provides instruction for use of breast pumps to WIC participants; conduct nutrition and other health education classes for the promotion of positive health and dietary control of disease; conduct prenatal, breastfeeding, infant and general nutrition classes; teach basic nutritional concepts including food preparation and dietary needs to improve nutritional status; present educational materials such as exhibits, posters, displays, pamphlets, slides, and videos; assist with development of nutrition education sessions, class outlines, online classes, handouts, and other materials as needed; gather and organize materials for group classes; maintain inventory of educational materials and order replacement materials as needed; assist with participant surveys and studies relating to nutrition, physical activity, and healthy living; evaluate participant knowledge of information presented during classes and provide needed clarification; review daily WIC card issuance logs for accuracy and completeness and reconcile to daily food instrument void report; complete weekly WIC Card inventories and assist in maintaining WIC Card security; may prepare clinic appointment schedules and employee work schedules, assessing and prioritizing needs to reassign duties and tasks as needed; participates in staff observations and file audit reviews for the accuracy of documentation by WIC counselors according to Federal, State, and local agency policies; monitors stock of clinic supplies, office supplies, and assists with site inventory of supplies; conducts meetings and/or huddles with staff to review assignments, provide updates, and inform team of changes if staff are absent.

Gather information needed to assist in implementing the WIC food package changes, such as price and food availability surveys; make presentations to vendors and other community partners regarding the food package and other upcoming WIC program changes; attend the vendor education training provided by the state WIC program annually; handle complaints and vendor concerns, and route policy issues to the state; provide authorized grocers with WIC materials such as shelf talkers, WIC Shopping Guides, WIC decals, or give training information; discuss WIC participant and cashier shopping experiences with vendors and program management staff; provide feedback on potential areas for participant and/or staff training needs to the local agency management team; share comments and questions from the vendor community with State WIC and other Local Vendor Liaisons (LVLs); record all vendor contacts in the WIC Local Vendor Liaison Tracking system; conduct and/or participate in studies, surveys, and projects as assigned.

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience: Equivalent to two (2) years of experience as a Nutrition Assistant with one (1) year of experience in an educational or information giving capacity preferably with low-income individuals or pregnant women.

Knowledge of:Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and percentages; basic nutrition including food groups, nutrients, dietary needs, food preparation, and meal balancing; motivational interviewing and participant-centered education techniques; math sufficient to compute time worked and keep records; standard office practices, methods, equipment, and procedures.

Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, and behaviors of both clients and coworkers; read, write, and speak in a designated second language as well as in English; read, understand, and explain program rules and regulations; communicate clearly and effectively in all forms of communication by using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; write sufficiently for recording information and preparing reports; obtain information through interviews; gather and compile data and maintain records, charts, and files; counsel participants; follow verbal and written instructions and seek guidance when necessary; establish effective working relationships with coworkers, participants, and the general public; adjust to changes in workload and program regulations; use patience, tact, and courtesy while communicating with people under various circumstances; retain and recall information; maintain productivity with frequent interruptions; maintain confidentiality of client information and program records; speak publicly to individuals regarding nutrition as well as program requirements, regulations, and benefits; develop and maintain thorough knowledge of community resources available to assist participants; maintain a higher productivity and level of independence in daily participant appointments; conduct health education presentations; read information and convey it verbally to others; write, to clearly convey, information in flyers and pamphlets using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate information to individuals and groups effectively; work effectively with coworkers and participants of various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds; demonstrate knowledge of maternal and child health programs, nutrition programs, community agencies, and organizations offering nutrition services; demonstrate interview and counseling techniques; demonstrate knowledge of training techniques including group interaction and participation; remain flexible to changes in workloads and stress of meeting deadlines.

Follow verbal and written instructions.

Certification as a WIC Nutrition Assistant (WNA) issued by the State of California WIC Program.

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service