Health Educator

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Serve as a Competent Professional Authority (CPA) for the WIC Program, including determining eligibility for WIC, evaluating lab values, nutritional requirements and prescribing a food package. Schedule appointments according to policy.

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

•  Perform nutritional assessments of individuals or families by evaluating anthropometrics measurements, nutritional (diet histories), medical and social histories. Networks with other health professionals, such as private, physicians/nurse, in the development and implementation of interagency information/referral systems to identify patients with nutritional problems and needs.

• Complete all required WIC trainings as identified by the WIC State agency office and Ascension DePaul Services.

• Conduct mandatory outreach (health and medical organizations, religious/community agencies, social service agencies) to improve access to the Louisiana WIC Program and Ascension DePaul Services.

• Develops care plans, prescribes food packages, counsels and monitors the progress of intervention in ADS Health clinics.

• Assist in preparing the nutrition education displays in accordance to the topics and handouts provided by the WIC State Agency Office.

• Conduct federally mandated vendor monitoring of Louisiana WIC approved vendors by: Visiting the stores to document the inventory for compliance with minimum stock levels of  approved WIC foods; Assuring adherence to WIC Food  Instrument redemption procedures; Providing training to management and cashier staff regarding food packaging changes or any policy changes relative to WIC Food Instrument redemption; Securing a vendor or designated staff signatures; Gathering information regarding grocer/patient complaints or allegations of fraud; Forwarding information to the Vendor Manager in the Nutrition Services central office in the Office of Public Health when applicable. 

• Conduct and participate in self-assessments, self-audits and management evaluations.

• Properly document in all WIC required Logs - Formula logs, Breast Pump logs and Hospital Breast pump loan logs.

• Prepare and purchase special formula orders, requisition forms for nutrition education and office

           supplies.

• Provides breastfeeding support to WIC participants and women as needed by WIC and non-WIC participants.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting, twisting, standing, bending and some activities that involve walking will be required to be performed. Employee will be required to travel from time to time and must be required to work various shifts to accommodate needs of various sites and community events.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position involves a sedentary work environment. Work is normally performed in clinic setting, WIC office with Computer System, nutrition education materials and displays. Outreach Work will require working in various temperatures outside or other designated facilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A baccalaureate degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer science, health promotion, community health, pre-medicine or nursing. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant must have the ability to work well with people displaying a pleasant, professional personality. Also must have excellent communication and computer skills.   

HEALTH EDUCATOR

 Position Description:   Complete nutrition assessments for WIC participants, nutrition care plans, certifies and recertifies participants, prescribes and prints food packages, reviews/evaluate prescriptions for approval of WIC special formula. Participates in breastfeeding promotions and other WIC sponsored activities throughout the year. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS :
 · Minimum qualifications.
 · A baccalaureate degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer sciences, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing OR
 · An associate degree in nutrition, dietetics, human ecology, home economics, family and consumer sciences, health promotion, pre-medicine, or nursing, PLUS 2 years of experience working as a WIC Clinic         Nutrition Educator OR
 · Twelve semester hours in food and nutrition or dietetics PLUS 3 years of experience working as a WIC Clinic Nutrition Educator OR
 · Twelve semester hours in food and nutrition or dietetics PLUS 3 years of experience working in patient care.