Nutrition Assistant

The Nutrition Assistant is a valuable member of our Nutrition Services team who under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator, facilitates client entry into the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), by collecting and documenting anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin testing, breastfeeding and health and nutrition information into computer system. Provides basic, low risk nutrition education and breastfeeding counseling and support.

Works at other sites as required.

Scheduled

Hours:

37.5 hours per week

• This position will report to two locations:
  Waukegan (Belvidere Medical Building) and North Chicago (NCH)
• 8:30AM - 4:30PM - Monday (BMB), Tuesday (NCH), Wednesday (BMB), Friday (NCH)
• 11:00AM - 7:00PM - Thursday (BMB)

• Determines WIC eligibility based upon dietary, anthropometric, clinical and health history data in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing to provide low risk nutrition counseling/breastfeeding support and follow up with WIC clients based on identified nutritional risk factors and individual needs.
• Electronically documents clinical information including nutrition care plans in clients’ I-WIC chart according to agency and state standards.
• Demonstrates age‑specific competency in the provision of services to clients.
• Identifies high‑risk clients and refers to Nutrition Coordinator or other appropriate credentialed professionals. Refers clients to Family Case Management and other nutrition/health/social services as appropriate. Promotes breastfeeding as the preferred infant feeding method to all WIC clients.
• Performs anthropometric measurements of height and weight, according to procedures.
• Performs laboratory duties (hemoglobin tests), according to Standing Orders for Capillary Hemoglobin.
• Accurately performs data entry of program‑related data and information in the WIC MIS.
• Issues benefits to WIC EBT card according to established procedure.
• Prepares WIC  for CPAs.
• Trains with bilingual staff to develop basic Spanish language skills and effectively communicate with bilingual clients.
• Participates in gathering and maintaining program statistics and completes required forms/reports (including timecard) in a timely manner to ensure accurate data collection.
• Maintains clerical and laboratory supplies at assigned workstation. Completes order form monthly to assure adequate inventory at workstation.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities to assess, monitor and improve clinic services.
• Assists in maintaining office/clinic security by locking up equipment, WIC EBT cards, Farmers’ Market coupons, breastfeeding supplies, and other supplies.
• Participates in annual WIC Garden/garden box season activities.
• Participates in mandatory in‑services and drills, attends staff trainings and other continuing education to update skills, meet programmatic needs, and provide for individual career goals.
• Promotes WIC services through outreach activities both internally and in the community.
• Acts as an alternate for other sites as required.
• Performs duties in a prioritized organized and orderly manner to maximize clinic efficiency and productivity.
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of clinic and work area.
• Develops and maintains a basic knowledge of services available at LCHD.
• Has a basic awareness of the Chronic Care Model Processes to reduce health disparities within our communities.
• Demonstrates adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of individual Emergency Preparedness roles.
• Reports all unusual occurrences that may involve the safety and well‑being of the clients and co‑workers, directly to the Supervisor, Program/Clinic Coordinator; and/or Safety Officer.

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Requires completion of Competency Based Training within the first 6 months of hire.
• Requires 1 year of work experience.
• Basic computer knowledge and data entry skills.
• Ability to work on weekends, holidays and overtime if necessary.
• Ability to maintain and keep records.
• Assist in bilingual translation as appropriate.
• Possess sufficient physical stamina to allow for lifting, pushing,…