Wic Program Assistant

Optimus Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center with sites operating in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Stratford, CT. We are the largest provider of primary health services in Fairfield County, proudly serving all patients regardless of their income, race, or insurance status.

We are currently recruiting for a WIC PROGRAM ASSISTANT

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in Optimus’ Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values-outstanding, patient-centered, trustworthy, integrity, multicultural, understanding, and supportive - help guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

All employees of Optimus Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject only to the limited exemptions required by law.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for being a member of the WIC team, working with Nutritionist, Nutrition Aide and Director of Nutrition Services to ensure the complete and timely client flow and process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSBILITIES

1. Responsible for greeting all clients/visitors entering the WIC office while always maintaining a courteous professional attitude.
2. Answers phone, handle calls for requests for general information, rescheduling appointments, lost eWIC cards, etc. as assigned by Director of Nutrition Services.
3. Explain WIC services, benefits, and policies to clients.
4. Assists in the certification of WIC applicants by performing the following activities: Interviewing, to obtain basic demographic data such as name, address, and contact information; verifying identity, residency, and income eligibility by reviewing paperwork presented; entering all data into CT-WIC.
5. Assign eWIC cards and replace them according to State guidelines.
6. Adheres to Federal and State guidelines when determining an applicant’s eligibility.
7. Performs calls to participants including but not limited to those that appear in the termination report, missed appointment report, short certification report.
8. Schedules participants for appointments: nutrition education, initial certification, subsequent and food package changes
9. Issues WIC benefits and distributes necessary paperwork to WIC clients.
10. Provide ID card and folder, vendor list and WIC food list to participant.
11. Assists participants with explanation and completion of forms (caretaker forms, voter registration forms).
12. Performs necessary paperwork, as assigned, including maintaining participant files and accurate documentation.
13. Maintain participant confidentiality.
14. Provide breastfeeding promotion and support as appropriate.
15. Record hours worked on quarterly time study form.
16. May assist in the preparation of materials (e.g., newsletters), visual aids (e.g., bulletin boards or program displays), and activities (e.g., health fairs) in conjunction with other local agency staff.
17. Attends and participates in all training and continuing education sessions offered by the WIC Program and State WIC office.
18. Answer phone, direct calls, answer questions, and screen potential participants.
19. Handle appointment scheduling and rescheduling in CT-WIC.
20. Greet and check in participants. Manage flow of people in reception area. Direct participants to appropriate staff.
21. Keep an adequate supply of referrals and program pamphlets for participants.
22. Monitors reports assigned by Director.
23. Assist Director of Nutrition Services in outreach activities.
24. Schedules participants for appointments: nutrition education, initial certification, subsequent and food package changes.
25. Verify category, identity, income, and residency to determine WIC eligibility in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
26. Collect and enter participant demographic data.
27. Read/explain WIC rights and responsibilities to participant.
28. Make required referrals to Medicaid, SNAP and other non-WIC and health services as needed.
29. Explain food list and vendor list to participants as needed
30. Issue WIC food package in accordance with Federal and State regulations.
31. Ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and attention to detail in record keeping, scheduling and follow-up, while maintaining efficiency in the office.
32. Be responsive to quality assurance feedback from supervisor.
33. Record hours worked on quarterly time study in CT-WIC.
34. Performs other job-related duties as necessary or assigned by the Director.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Professional attitude, vision, understanding of customer service principals, intuitiveness, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility required by this position.

1. Demonstrates a positive work ethic that recognizes all WIC families of varying socio-economic, ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
2. Interacts and communicates effectively with co-workers, WIC families and community members in a professional and respectful manner.
3. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding WIC families, staff and program issues in compliance with Federal, State and local laws and specifications noted in Joint Service Agreements with other agencies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: High school diploma or GED equivalency.

EXPERIENCE: At least two (2) years of experience working in a medical office or at least one (1) year of experience working in a WIC setting. Experience in health care or community facility preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: The ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in English and another language when the Director of Nutrition Services or Program Nutritionist deems appropriate.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION: None required

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Basic arithmetic

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to deescalate/reason when dealing with irate participants.