WIC New Staff Training

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A training and staff development program for local WIC agency staff is key to maintaining quality services. The following steps, in addition to on-the-job training, will assure new WIC staff will have the knowledge and skills to perform their role in the WIC clinic.

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Requirements

All new WIC staff must go through an initial training program. New staff must either complete all the New Staff Training Guide Phase(s) appropriate to their role/activities or complete a similar training program provided by the local agency.

• Training provided by the local agency must cover all topics included in the state New Staff Training Guide.

• The New Staff Training Guide Phases 1-4 is frequently updated. Agencies should regularly assure their agency-specific training plan is comparable.

• If you have questions about your local agency training, contact your State Consultant.

NOTE: Local Agencies with their own training plan can request a tracking document from Carole.kelnhofer@state.mn.us that shows what changes have been made to the NST guide to assure that their training plan is comparable to the state training guide.

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The New Staff Training Guide - Phases 1-4 :

• Offers a comprehensive outline of WIC training required to attain minimum competencies.
• Lists training activities and resources for each core WIC function.
• Defines preceptor role in new staff training.
• Lists required training based on staff role. Refer to the Required Training by Job Classification and WIC Clinic Role.
  • Includes training resources Minnesota WIC developed and materials from other sources.

REQUIREMENT: Save an electronic (or paper) copy of the documentation form for levels 1-4 for each employee. Check off and date the training activities that have been completed on the guide.

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New Staff Training Guides and Documentation Materials

• Training New WIC Staff: Guidance for Coordinators/Preceptors (PDF)
• Required Training by Job Classification and WIC Clinic Role (PDF)
• WIC New Staff Training Guide - Phase 1 (PDF)
  • Phase 1 New Staff Training Documentation (WORD)
• WIC New Staff Training Guide - Phase 2 (PDF)
  • Phase 2 New Staff Training Documentation (WORD)
• WIC New Staff Training Guide - Phase 3 (PDF)
  • Phase 3 New Staff Training Documentation (WORD)
• WIC New Staff Training Guide - Phase 4 (PDF)
  • Phase 4 New Staff Training Documentation (WORD)

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Training Resources

Only Minnesota WIC-developed materials related to WIC overview, certification and assessment procedures, nutrition education and counseling are included here. Links to other resources are found in the New Staff Training Guides Phases 1-4.

Training resources are listed by the phase (1-4) of training and correspond to the training guide.

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NST PHASE 1

Introduction to WIC (PDF)

Security Training Modules (Required annually for all staff)

Overview of Certification (PDF)

Breastfeeding Promotion Module (PDF)

Anthropometrics Module - 60 minutes - Required for all staff that do Anthropometric measurements.

• Lifecycle Series Anthropometrics Transcript (PDF)
• MN WIC Anthropometrics Guidebook - Preceptor (WORD)
• MN WIC Anthropometrics Guidebook - Trainee (WORD)
• Anthropometrics Posttest (WORD)

Anthropometric Manual (PDF) - Reference for MN WIC specific anthropometric procedures and equipment requirements.

Introduction to Hematological Assessment (PDF)

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NST PHASE 2

Nutrition Assessment Module (PDF)

Introduction to Risk Code Assignment (PDF)

• Complete the Risk Code Practice Workbook (PDF)

Nutrition Education Module - 36 minutes (Script - PDF)

• Complete the Nutrition Education Module Discussion Guide (PDF)

Civil Rights Training (Required annually for all WIC staff)

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NST PHASE 3

Basic Nutrition Modules. Complete:

• Micronutrients and Water
• Energy Balance and Metabolism
• Nutrition Related Diseases
• Putting it into Practice

Pregnancy Nutrition Modules. Complete:

• Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes

Infant Nutrition Modules. Complete:

• Introduction to Infant Formula
• Standard Infant Formula

Child Nutrition Modules. Complete:

• Pediatric Overweight and Obesity

Postpartum Module (PDF)

MN WIC Baby Behavior Preceptor Guide (PDF)

MN WIC Toddler Behavior Preceptor Guide (PDF)

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NST PHASE 4

High Risk Counseling

• Module 1: High Risk Care Policy and Criteria (Script - PDF)
• Module 2: Providing High Risk Care (Script - PDF)
• Module 3: Documenting High Risk Care and Follow-up (Script - PDF)

Staff should become familiar with the Implications for WIC Services for each high risk condition. The Implications provide screening or assessment recommendations specific to the risk code along with suggestions for nutrition counseling related to the risk code. Implications for WIC Services are found in the Allowed WIC Nutrition Risk Criteria section. Open the applicable risk code and scroll down to the Implications for WIC Services header. As Allowed WIC Nutrition Risk Criteria are updated on the national level, Implications for WIC Services are added to the criteria. If an Implications for WIC Services section is not yet available for a "High Risk" risk code, a Minnesota specific section is being developed and added in the interim.

Breastfeeding Education and Skill Development

• WIC Breastfeeding Support-How Front-line Staff Promote Breastfeeding (PDF)
• Staff and Supervisor Discussion Tool- How Front-line Staff Can Promote and Support Breastfeeding (WORD)

Interpreters

• Working with Language Interpreters

Module Answer Keys

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