WIC Coordinator

The WIC Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the local WIC program. This position manages health professionals known as Competent Professional Authorities (CPAs) and other clinic staff, communicates with local agency (Vanderburgh County Health Department) administration and the State WIC Program staff, manages the budget, resolves clinic and vendor concerns, reviews clinic data, oversees outreach functions and may also function as a CPA and/or the agency Breastfeeding Coordinator. The WIC Coordinator must meet the minimum qualifications of a CPA. The WIC Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of all administrative functions so the WIC program in partnership with their sponsoring agency (Vanderburgh County Health Department) leadership, including reporting any concerns or challenges that arise to the State WIC Office. The WIC Coordinator position must be staffed equal to the number of days the clinic is open. The Coordinator must be present in the clinic during all scheduled hours up to the limit of the local agency’s full-time employees. When the Coordinator is scheduled out of the office, another CPA-qualified staff person should be designated as the contact person for each clinic site. Additionally, the WIC Coordinator will utilize data to identify community needs and assets prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating public health programs and activities. May administer fiscal resources for WIC. May prepare grant applications and reports. Serves as a liaison for the health department in the community by participating in community coalitions, committees, and task forces.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management/Supervision: Trains and supervises all WIC Program staff and monitors staff work periodically. Supports and motivates staff in identifying and completing professional development goals. Completes annual performance appraisals of WIC Program staff. Serves as System Administrator for the MIS and the WIC SharePoint site. Monitors clinic operations for efficiency and effectiveness. Responsible for the planning and preparation of the WIC budget and related reports. Maintains the equipment inventory. Prepares reports required by state and local agencies. Provides staff with in-services for continuing education that is pertinent to WIC. Sends all staff for training required by the State WIC office. Performs certification duties including lab tests, measurements of height, weight, and hemoglobin when needed.
• Nutrition Education Caseload: Responsible for maintaining contracted caseload of clients.
• Local Agency Plans: Plans, implements, and evaluates the objectives and activities of the WIC Program. The Coordinator will maintain the and carry out the following plans in collaboration with WIC staff: Community Promotion Plan, In-service Education Plan for local WIC clinic staff, and Nutrition Education Plan. Responsible for maintaining all required records, plans, and files required for the operation of the WIC Program.
• Community Partner Relations: Manages a community network system of existing service providers to offer essential services to residents. Assists in identifying local health resources that could be mobilized to improve individual and community outcomes. Develops and maintains procedure for a referral system.
• Vendor Relations: Serves as liaison with vendors, reviews contracts, resolves issues, and keeps vendors updated on the program requirements as related to food booklet changes. Completes vendor monitoring reports and reconciles rejected benefits with the vendor and the State WIC office.
• Local Agency Policies: The Coordinator should establish additional local agency policies and procedures within the guidelines of the Indiana WIC Program Policy and Procedure Manual with VCHD leadership. Clinic policies must be reviewed and updated annually by the WIC Coordinator for compliance with state and federal regulations and policies.
• Local/Regional/State Liaison: Serves a role in local coalitions, regional initiatives or groups, and state level coalition groups. Participates in coalition meetings. Coordinates relationships with partners and community organizations. Promotes and represents WIC at community events and at internal activities. Recruits health care providers/clinicians, community and faith-based organizations, and other partners to promote program to clients. Serves as facilitator in coordinating meetings and distribution of information. Works with community members to assist with cultural and linguistic educational materials for target population. Participates in community activities to promote good public relations and to increase community awareness of nutritional needs and the services offered by the WIC Program.
• Writing/Communications/Marketing: Prepares written and digital materials on public health related issues in conjunction with VCHD leadership. Assists in developing marketing plans to promote programming efforts. Develops effective messaging for target audiences. Selects methods and technologies to deliver messages and delivers messages effectively using identified strategies. Prepares and provides presentations within the community.

• Qualified Nutritionist
• Registered Dietitian;
• Registration eligible to write the registration exam for the Commission on Dietetic Registration; or
• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Dietetics; Nutrition or Nutrition Sciences; Public Health Nutrition; Community Nutrition or Clinical Nutrition.
• Registered Nurse (R.N.).
• Bachelors or Masters degree graduate which, through review of an official transcript from an accredited college, includes a study in nutrition. These degrees include but are not limited to:
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Food and Nutrition in Business
  • Nutrition, Fitness and Health
• Three to Five (3-5) years experience in maternal and child health or public health setting preferred. Public speaking: 2 years.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of effective nutrition education principles and methods as well as health education theory. Knowledge of health behavior theories. Knowledge of health equity. Principles and practices of community outreach and engagement as well as health communication. Social media and other digital communication methods. Agency policies/procedures. Grant application process. Knowledge of and familiarity with county and community resources to adequately perform job. Research methods to gather data. Knowledge of marketing and communications principles and presentation techniques for culturally diverse audiences. Knowledge of community organization. Knowledge of program management, planning, evaluation, needs assessment, and grants management. Knowledge of business administration practices and procedures, basic accounting, and data processing systems. Knowledge of federal, state, and local government operation. Knowledge of human resource management.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to lead in stressful situations and during periods of program change. Able to remain objective in situations such as applicant dispute over program eligibility or violation. Skill in communicating effectively in writing and orally to individuals and groups. Skill in applying interviewing and assessment techniques for culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations. Effective written and verbal communications skills, including public speaking, marketing, and design. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a wide variety of people and groups. Ability to present programs and materials in a culturally sensitive manner and to use literacy and health equity considerations in the development and delivery of education. Ability to work in collaboration with community partners. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse population of community members, medical providers, businesses, schools, community-based agencies, and departmental staff.
•  Abilities: Ability to develop and present effective health promotion marketing and educational materials in a variety of settings. Skill in organizing work activities to meet established objectives. Ability to read and interpret information and prepare reports. Experience in grant writing preferred. Experience in facilitation and public speaking. Ability to collect and maintain program data and confidential information. Leadership abilities. Computer skills including MS Office. Data analysis skills. Program management skills. Skills in conducting literature reviews.
• Professional Development: Attends continuing education seminars, certifications conferences, and meetings to improve/acquire knowledge of current trends and evidence-based practices in public health. Is sought out to represent the public health nutrition profession by community partners and stakeholders. Demonstrates professionalism by wearing appropriate uniforms or dress clothes for the situation.
• Interdisciplinary professionalism: Conducts themselves with professional attitudes and behaviors are instrumental to build strong interdisciplinary relationships and creates more supportive clinical environments. Demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration takes a willingness to listen to peers and be open to ways of improving patient care. Recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of your co-workers. Seeks other disciplines input to problem solving, community projects and policy development.
• Accountability: Fosters trusting relationships between clients, staff, and team members, protects against the misuse of resources and promotes a good agency reputation. Viewed as reliable, valuable assets to their teams. Accepts and gives constructive criticism to recognize ways to improve and work smarter, which benefits clients, staff and the agency. Practices autonomy to utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills independently and use those skills to develop action plans related to client care. Demonstrates resilience by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, maintaining a supportive network of colleagues, and being flexible when change is necessary. Develops a “can-do” attitude to help you identify problems and address them appropriately. Leads by example by being conscientious about your work, having a positive attitude, staying up-to-date with current trends in nutrition and relevant research, and advocating for clients.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Maintains positive relationships with unprofessional peers and difficult client situations. Can develop therapeutic relationships with healthy boundaries. Maintains a professional attitude in a highly stressful or emotional situation. Aware of potential risks of conflict and implement measures to resolve them quickly. Engage in dialogue with others and offer to facilitate a safe environment for communication.
• Training and Orientation of Staff: Responsible for training new employees on programming, documentation, providing orientations schedules, and assess the need for more training, extended orientation or release from orientation. 
• Licenses/Certifications: Registered Dietitian (RD) preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Clinical and administrative work setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Desk and workspaces are able to accommodate a wheelchair. Position uses standard medical equipment to perform assessments.
• Travel: Driving a vehicle requiring a license. Some travel is required, and is typically local or regional, to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend or provide training.
• Background Check: Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

Our benefits make Vanderburgh County Health Department an exceptional place to work. We offer:

• Starting salary: $78,445
• Comprehensive benefits package, including: 5 vacation days after the first 6 months and 10 per year with expanded vacation after 5 years and 15 paid holidays annually; medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability insurance; life insurance.
• Workforce Development including ongoing training, and promotional opportunities.
• Flexible work hours; 40-hour work week with very occasional weekend assignments. Full time, usual hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M–F, with lunch breaks. May be required to work occasional evenings with the ability to flex these hours. 
• A guaranteed pension plan after meeting pension benefit requirements, Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF).
• Opportunities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for eligible workers.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and welcoming environment. Affirmative action commitment.
• Employees will receive fully funded trainings and certifications throughout their onboarding process and workforce development during their employment.  
• Vanderburgh County Health Department is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Vanderburgh County Health Department will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Vanderburgh County Health Department at 812-435-2400.