WIC NUTRITION EDUCATOR - FAIRBANKS

SEARHC: Who We Are - YouTube

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) - YouTube

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position functions within the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program. This position is critical for the delivery of WIC services to eligible women, infants, and children.  Under the supervision of the WIC Supervisor, this position is responsible for program operations in any assigned communities.  Must be able to travel to communities within the Fairbanks North Star Borough including military installations.

• Determines WIC applicants’ eligibility to WIC Program in accordance with federal and state WIC Program policies and procedures. Orients new clients on approved WIC foods and correct redemption procedures of WIC food instruments.  Prescribes and issues appropriate food packages based on client need.  Refers clients to other health programs as needed.  Employee will be audited and supervised for accuracy, as errors in this area can result in inappropriate food given to a client.
• Provides participant-centered nutrition and lifestyle education to clients according to the WIC Nutrition service standards of care and guidelines, making appropriate referrals for clients requiring high-risk nutrition counseling to a Registered and Licensed Dietitian as needed. Participates and assists in planning for community nutrition events and group classes as requested and needed.
• Performs receptionist/clerical duties such as answering telephones, maintaining, and organizing client file system, duplicating nutrition education materials and other office forms, utilizing appropriate software such as word processing, Outlook Office Suite, electronic health records and determining office supply/equipment needs and maintaining computers and office equipment.
• Communicates and collaborates with other programs and agencies as appropriate within communities and SEARHC. Maintains vendor relations within geographic area of responsibility, including vendor monitoring.
• Responsible for the delivery of WIC’s breastfeeding promotion and support services including client education, management of breast pump program which includes both electric loans and manual pumps, and training clients on appropriate use of pumps, and coordination of delivery with other departments.
• Performs outreach activities which includes regular contact with partner agencies and will include at least 3 trips a year to outlying communities for the purpose of outreach, vendor monitoring, community events and/or staff training. Other duties as assigned.
• This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with other Fairbanks programs and partner agencies.

Experience Required

• Two years' work experience in a clerical field, including knowledge of computers and their applications.
• One year’s work experience in WIC or health promotion preferred.
• Experience working with women, young children, and families preferred.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Must successfully complete the WIC Competent Professional Authority (CPA) Training Program within 6 months of hire if not previously certified (see note below).
• Certification requires 12 hours of continuing education annually to maintain competency.
• WIC Competent Professional Authority (CPA) Certification preferred.
• Must be able to pass an extensive background check to access military installations in Fairbanks.
• Must possess a valid Alaska Driver’s License.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of maternal, infant, and child nutrition needs.
• Knowledge of general office skills such as file maintenance, customer-oriented telephone skills, and demonstrated office organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of computers and basic software applications such as MS Word (word processing), Excel and PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook Suite.

Skills in

• Skilled at communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skilled at organizing and prioritizing time/tasks with multiple demands.
• Skilled at following written and verbal instruction.

Ability to

• Ability to treat clients (women and families of young children), visitors, health care providers, and outside agencies and staff courteously, effectively, and professionally.
• Able to handle difficult client situations with a calm, reassuring, and respectful demeanor.

Travel Required

• Travel required as needed to sites including military installations.