CERTIFYING AUTHORITY

SALARY: $41,537.00 per year

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of CA/Clinic Supervisor or designee, the Certifying Authority (CA) is responsible for conducting participant certifications, providing nutrition education and breastfeeding support, and ensuring services are delivered in compliance with federal, state, and local program policies. This position focuses on accurate assessments, participant-centered services, and adherence to WIC procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Employee will accurately document all time worked.
2. Report directly to WIC Clinic Supervisor or designee.
3. Adhere to Cameron County, Department of State Health Services (State), and Cameron County Public Health WIC Program (Local) policies and procedures.
4. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local WIC regulations and policies to ensure certifications, mid-certifications, and recertifications are completed in accordance with USDA, State, and Local Agency requirements.
5. Accurately determine eligibility by assessing income, residency, categorical criteria, and nutritional risk.
6. Maintain knowledge of the Department of State Health Services and WIC immunization policies and procedures.
7. Screen and review immunization records to determine immunization status.
8. Request and document dietary intake and perform diet assessments when necessary.
9. Obtain and document weight, height/length, and BMI, following policies and procedures; must have basic knowledge of decimal/fraction conversion.
10. Perform hemoglobin testing to obtain hemoglobin values and assess for nutritional risk.
11. Obtain and document pertinent medical history and conditions relevant to WIC certification.
12. Provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services.
13. Assign appropriate nutritional risk codes during certification.
14. Select and issue appropriate WIC food packages and nutrition education codes.
15. Authorize issuance of WIC benefits in compliance with USDA, State, and Local WIC policies and procedures.
16. Conduct nutrition education classes for women, infants, and children.
17. Process medical prescription requests in accordance with State and Local policies.
18. Complete training in nutrition and breastfeeding to stay current on program and professional requirements.
19. Provide breastfeeding support, including breast pump issuance, inventory control, retrieval, assembly, troubleshooting, use, and cleaning.
20. Train clients in the use of multi-user, single-user, and manual expression pumps; counsel participants to resolve short-term breastfeeding concerns and special circumstances as needed.
21. Protect participant privacy and confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and WIC policies.
22. Report any abuse of WIC property or violations of program policy.
23. Travel and provide services at other clinic sites as needed.
24. Comply with current Department of State Health Services immunization guidelines and maintain a current immunization record.
25. Have no vested financial interest in WIC.
26. Degreed Nutritionists: Degreed Nutritionists who have been assigned to work with certified WCS will coordinate with the NE Coordinator as per State WIC policy CS: 16.0.
27. Registered Dietitians:

• Must maintain coordination with the Nutrition Education Coordinator.
• Conduct high-risk individual counseling for participants.
• Must assist with the training and supervision of the WCS Program as per State WIC Policy CS:16.0
• Conduct nutrition in-services for WIC Staff
• Attend and promote nutritional community activities such as health fairs, head starts, and businesses.
• Develop new nutrition education classes.

1. Other duties as assigned.

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the following fields: Nutrition Sciences, Human Nutrition, Dietetics, Community Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, or Home Economics with a major in Food and Nutrition that includes at least 24 semester hours in food and nutrition. Additionally, must have at least two years of experience in public health services.

Other acceptable academic qualifications include:

• Registered Dietitian and Dietetic Technician registered (DTR) credentialed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate's Degree, or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
• Physician (MD or DO) or Physician Assistant (PA), certified by the National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants or the state medical certifying authority.
• Home Economics or other degreed professionals with a minimum of 12 semester hours in food and nutrition and 6 semester hours in science from an accredited university.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing. Knowledge of foods and nutrition. Knowledge of management techniques and procedures. Ability to read and understand technical materials. Ability to relate to individuals of varying socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Ability to evaluate information accurately and objectively. Ability to apply interpretations of federal, state and local regulations. Ability to delegate duties appropriately. Conforms to acceptable manner and behavior as outlined in the Personnel Policies of Cameron County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies, and outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS:

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County, Cameron County Public Health and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgement is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Immediate Supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by Immediate Supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their Immediate Supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, or community center.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

BENEFITS: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER