WIC Certification Specialist Coordinator

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Brief Job Descripton 

Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultation, approval  and technical assistance for  the Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Certification Specialist (WCS) program.  Responsible for the implementation ,program planning, and development of the entire program. Oversees and coordinates the development, review, approval and training of the program.

Essential Job functions (EFJs):

(35%) Provides senior level consultation and technical assistance to Local Agency WIC directors and Registered Dietitian preceptors on the WCS program requirements to ensure qualified candidates are chosen to complete the program and become highly skilled paraprofessionals with a WCS credential that is recognized at local agencies across the state of Texas.  Reviews the Local Agency WCS application and communicates the approval/denial to the WIC Director and WCS preceptor. Conducts the WCS preceptor orientation that includes methods for implementation of the WCS program, course curriculum, course exams, and formal observations of the candidate competencies. Conducts quarterly WCS sharing sessions to create support for the WCS preceptors and identify training needs and resolve pain points.

(25%) Provides expert consultation, technical assistance, and interpretation of certification policies to WIC local agency directors, WCS preceptors, and WIC clinic staff to ensure compliance with State and Federal requirements.  Participates in the WIC Counseling workgroup to develop processes, training curriculum, and onsite observations to determine the technical assistance needed to strengthen nutrition counseling across Texas. Provides input on revisions to the Texas WIC certification policies and nutrition risk conditions for the inclusion in the Clinic Assessment Manual and WCS training program.

(20%) Evaluates nutrition educational programs and determines continuing education credits for the credentialed WCSs to maintain effective nutrition counseling. Develops and administers WCS program surveys to improve the program. Evaluates the WCS training modules to ensure alignment with WIC Program policies. Acts as State Agency Partner (SAP) to assigned local agencies to be the primary point of contact for timely response to WIC directors.  Conducts on-site observations at WIC clinics to ensure credentialed WCSs provide a high level of low-risk counseling and within the scope of the WCS.  Provides input on monitoring criteria for the WIC Clinical monitoring tool, reviews monitoring reports and corrective action plans for the WCS functions, provides technical assistance as needed.

(15%) Consults with WIC local agencies regarding appropriate use of formula for participants with special health care needs.  This includes formula approvals/disapprovals and investigating complaints regarding the issuance or non-issuance of requested formulas by local WIC agencies. Prepares and administers the WCS Certificate for WCS candidates who graduate from the WCS program. Participates in the review and approval of college transcripts for WIC Local agencies hiring a Certifying Authority that did not receive their degree or specialty licensed in the United States (e.g., Nutritionist, RN, RD, MD and DO).

(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health nutrition with an emphasis in maternal and child health.

Knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint.

Skill in written/oral communication.

Skill in leading meetings

Ability to interpret policies and or procedures.

Ability to counsel on food and nutrition

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures

Ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to track projects and assure completion in a timely manner.

Ability to work independently and handle mulitple assignments simultaneously.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.  

Ability to lead meetings and reach consensus.    

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Registered Dietitian

Inital Screening Criteria:

Expereince developing program policies and or procedures.

Experience overseeing nutrition programs or initiatives

Experience developing, revising, or evaluating training curriculums

Experience providing nutrition counseling to adults

Registered Dietitian

State or WIC Clinic experience preferred

Additional information

Initial screening criteria is based on the experience minimum requirements defined in the job posting. Interviewee selection is based on applicant information explaining how they meet each competency requirement in the summary of experience.  The salary on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum allowed, however, budget considerations often result in salary offers below the maximum of the posted range. Internal applicants are encouraged to check the Human Resource manual for any changes to their current salary. 

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.