Job Code:
- 06052023.WICN- Location:
- Aurora, Illinois- FT/PT Status:
- Regular Full Time**Description**:
Responsible for nutrition assessment and plan, determination of WIC program eligibility, nutrition counseling and group nutrition education of WIC participants as referred/requested.

**Reports To**: WIC Coordinator

**Primary Functions**:

- Completes dietary assessment; assesses participant’s nutritional status: develops and coordinates an individualized nutrition plan of care, including involving the participant/family in the development of the participant’s goals and collaboration with other health care professionals as necessary.
- Implements the nutrition interventions identified in the nutrition plan of care including: participant-centered counseling on nutrition and dietary recommendations/prescription, evaluating effectiveness and outcomes of care, and revising the nutrition plan of care as needed.
- Determines WIC Program eligibility for WIC applicants per federal, state, and VNA guidelines.
- Assesses the need for and makes appropriate medical and community social service referrals, as well as either individual or group nutrition education follow up appointments for WIC and as applicable for other VNA participants/patients.
- Assigns WIC eligible participant’s food package, issues WIC food benefits and explains use.
- Ability to graph/document the anthropometric and biochemical measurements required to determine WIC Program eligibility, per IDPH/IDHS Nutrition Assessment Manual and WIC Program Manual procedures.
- Completes participant’s clinical record documentation, including WIC EMR, specific to clinic nutrition services provided; according to applicable policies and procedures; and in a timely manner.
- Develops, prepares for and teaches weekly WIC nutrition education group sessions, staff in-services and other classes as assigned.
- Uses WIC EMR for all phases of WIC certification, inquiry, scheduling, food benefit issuance and report generation.
- Respects participants’ rights and privacy in a positive manner; and maintains participant confidentiality.
- Assists in maintaining adequate supply of WIC certification and nutrition education materials through inventory, acquisition and distribution processes.
- Demonstrates evidence of continuing educational development through participation in appropriate seminars, classes and/or in-services; as well as self-study materials.
- Maintains professionalism and establishes effective working relationships with other VNA Health Care staff members.
- Understands and practices infection control procedures, per VNA Infection Control Manual policies and procedures.
- Participates in Quality Improvement activities as assigned.
- Participates in peer monitoring and self-assessments or chart audits to determine compliance with state policies.
- Familiarizes and complies with all VNA policies and procedures.
- Meets standards of behavior expectations.
- Follows established guidelines for use and/or disclosure of protected health information. Employees should report any breaches of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules to the Privacy Officer immediately. Failure to comply with HIPAA policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Other duties as assigned.**Qualifications**
- Baccalaureate degree in nutrition or dietetics, minimum.
- One-year nutrition education experience preferred.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish/English as follows: Reading - Required. Written - Preferred. Speaking - Required.

**Essential Functions/Physical Requirements**:

- 1. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
- 2. Tactile, visual, and olfactory senses intact.
- 3. Manual dexterity efficient to perform procedures and operate a computer.
- 4. Ability to deal with high levels of stress.
- 5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, 25 on a frequent basis.
- VNA complies with all laws enforced by EEOC and ADA.