Careers

WIC Competent Professional Authority

Cayuga County

Posted 9/1/2023

Responsibilities

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This position exists in the Cayuga County Health Department and is responsible for assessing the nutritional
requirements of participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children
(WIC), determining program eligibility, enrolling participants in the WIC program, and providing nutritional
counseling to WIC participants and their families. The incumbent has responsibility for authorizing and
issuing food packages to be used by WIC program participants based on assessment of their nutritional
needs to adequately meet participant’s regular and therapeutic needs. The work is performed under the
direct supervision of the WIC Program Coordinator, with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent
judgment. Under the direction and supervision of the WIC coordinator, the position is responsible for the
direction and management of breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Supervision may be exercised
over breastfeeding peer counselor staff.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)
Conducts a complete nutrition assessment, determine nutrition risk and enroll participants on the WIC
program;
Conducts a breastfeeding assessment, and provide participant–centered counseling that helps a mother
initiate breastfeeding, establish a milk supply, exclusively breastfeed and continue breastfeeding;
Prescribes, tailors, authorizes, issues, and reissues all food packages;
Prepares and maintains various files and reports in accordance with Federal and State agency requirements;
Within the first year of hire, the BFC must attend a 40–hour lactation counseling course, if not an IBCLC or
CLC, and other state–designated breastfeeding trainings;
Participate in the development of the local WIC agency nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and
support plan;
Develop and implement breastfeeding promotion and support activities, including the Breastfeeding Peer
Counselor Program and Breast Pump Program to include the issuing of breast pump(s);
Supervise and monitor the activities, training, and documentation of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselors;
Monitor, compile, and evaluate breastfeeding rates, promotion and support activities, and peer counseling
activities;
Coordinate breastfeeding promotional activities with community stakeholders;
Participates in performing quality assurance activities of peer counselors, nutritionists and nutrition
assistants;
Provide and monitor referrals for outcomes;
Participate and provide staff education and training on nutrition topics and breastfeeding;
Perform other duties as assigned within scope of practice.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of the principles and practices of breastfeeding, nutrition and diet therapy;
Working knowledge of the relationship of nutrient intake to health, restorative and rehabilitative
treatment;
Working knowledge of organizing and implementing a nutritional services program;
Ability to effectively supervise the work of others;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants and staff;
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions;
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to speak clearly, confidently and effectively to individuals and groups;
Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of reports.

Minimum Qualification

Possession of a current valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor’s degree
from an accredited college or university; OR
(B) Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (DTR/NDTR); OR
(C) Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate health–related field from an accredited college
or university with at least 6 credit hours in nutrition.

Preferred Additional Qualifications
Minimum, 1 year of experience in program management;
Minimum, 1 year of experience in counseling breastfeeding dyads;
International Board–Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential.