|
Select a program from the list below to read its description, or download a printable version (PDF)
of all program descriptions. Be sure to
check back regularly; this list will change as more programs are
added.
COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING PROGRAMS
Advanced WICSIS: High Risk Nutrition Counseling &
Documentation
This three-day training program will introduce the high risk nutritional criteria and allow trainees to explore reasonable responses to high risk situations. Trainees will have the opportunity to share their expertise, update their knowledge on high risk medical conditions, practice their counseling skills, and develop/document care plans in WICSIS. Topics covered include:
WIC Program Nutritional Risk Criteria Interpretive Guidelines
WIC Assessment Guidance Tool
High Risk Care Plan Manual
Methods of nutrition education and counseling that are relevant to the high risk criteria and best meet participants' needs
Additional topics in this program include staging participants for readiness to change behaviors and using Motivational Interviewing techniques for working with WIC participants who are ambivalent or resistant towards change.
Target audience: WIC coordinators, CPAs, dieticians
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 16.5 EUs.
TOP
Basic WICSIS Skills for Clerks
This five-day training program is mandatory for clerks and recommended for all supervisors/staff who deal with the income verification process. This training program will provide an overview of the WICSIS database and all relevant state policies. Trainees will practice using WICSIS to determine WIC program eligibility during the certification process. Topics covered include:
Establishing the household
Determining income eligibility
Interfamily participant transfers
Mid-Certification income reassessment
Creating new records and searching the database
*Prerequisite: Prior to the training program, participants must complete the following self-contained learning modules: WIC Overview, Accessing WICSIS, WIC Certification Periods, and Income Eligibility.
Target audience: WIC coordinators, CPAs, clerks
Please note: This training has location-specific start/end times. When in Albany, this program starts Monday at 1 pm and ends Friday at 1 pm. When in New York City, this program ends Friday at 1 pm.
TOP
Basic WICSIS Skills for CPAs
This five-day training program is mandatory for new CPAs. Trainees will have the opportunity to practice skills while conducting mock certifications during the week. Trainees will develop a greater understanding of the WICSIS database and state policies in order to:
conduct a complete nutrition assessment
assign nutritional risks
enroll participants
schedule participant appointments
authorize food instruments
Other topics covered include food package changes (return/reissue), Food Package III, avoiding overissuance, adding foods to previously issued food packages, aligning family members, and documenting nutrition education and group education.
*Prerequisite: Prior to the training program, participants must complete the following self-contained learning modules: WIC Overview, Accessing WICSIS, WIC Certification Periods, Nutritional Risk Criteria, WIC Food Packages, Anthropometry, Hematology, and Nutrition Education. They must also complete the CPA LA Training Database Certification Activity.
Target audience: WIC coordinators, CPAs, and dieticians
Please note: This training has location-specific start/end times. When in Albany, this program starts Monday at 1 p.m. and ends Friday at 1 p.m. When in New York City, this program ends Friday at 1 p.m.
TOP
Intermediate WICSIS
This two-day training program provides an overview of WIC income eligibility policies/procedures and changes in the WIC household. It is geared toward staff that already attended either Basic WICSIS Skills for Clerks or Basic WICSIS Skills for CPAs. If you would like to fine-tune your skills in any of the following areas, this training is for you.
Day one:
Assessing for income eligibility
Day two:
Changing households (foster children, mid-certification reassessments, interfamily participant transfers, VOC transfers)
*Prerequisite: Prior to the training program, participants must complete the Income Eligibility self-contained learning module.
Target audience: CPAs and clerks
TOP
Manual Check Issuance
This two-day day training program will address:
Issuance of manual checks in conjunction with a non-traditional certification, completing a non-traditional certification form, converting multiple sources of income to a common frequency, entering non-traditional certification data into WICSIS and the association of manual checks in WICSIS
Issuance of manual checks in conjunction with nutrition education appointments and formula changes
Issuance of Special Formula Food Instruments (SFFI's)
Common errors in manual check issuance
Temporary WIC ID card issuance
*Prerequisite: Prior to the training program, participants must complete the Income Eligibility self-contained learning module.
Target audience: CPAs and clerks
TOP
Proration, Return & Reissue
Prorating, returning, and reissuing have undoubtedly been recognized as some of the more challenging WICSIS procedures. Since Build 51, programming changes have occurred and CPAs now have the ability to manage checks and benefits differently. This one-day WICSIS training program will cover state policies and guidance on using these features in WICSIS. Topics will include:
Rounding up with proration; how WICSIS prorates food packages and what to do when proration is applied
Returning and reissuing formula and food packages:
- How the daily value reduces food quantities with return and reissue
- How to use the Reduce Quantities window in response to the applied daily value
- When it is appropriate to use the Override button
- Using the additional foods feature
Target audience: WIC coordinators, CPAs, dieticians
TOP
Proration, Return & Reissue for NYSDOH Regional Office Staff
Prorating, returning, and reissuing have undoubtedly been recognized as some of the more challenging WICSIS procedures. Since Build 51, programming changes have occurred and CPAs now have the ability to manage checks and benefits differently. This one-day WICSIS training will cover state policies and guidance on using these features in WICSIS. Topics will include:
Rounding up with proration - how WICSIS prorates food packages and what to do when proration is applied
Returning and reissuing formula and food packages:
- How the daily value reduces food quantities with return and reissue
- How to use the Reduce Quantities window in response to the applied daily value
- When it is appropriate to use the Override button
- Using the additional foods feature
Target audience: NYSDOH Regional Staff only
TOP
WICSIS Refresher for CPAs
Do you want to ace your QA Checklist? WICSIS is a complicated system even for experienced staff. With this training, you can make sure that you are performing the many complicated aspects of your job correctly. This is a three-day training for CPAs who need a refresher on WICSIS functionality and policies such as:
The most efficient way to navigate WICSIS and decrease the time you spend in the system
Return/reissue, additional foods, and new guidance on proration and overriding
Documenting nutrition education
Aligning family members the most efficient way to do it fast and accurately
And much more!
Target audience: WIC coordinators, CPAs, dieticians
Classroom Training ProgramS
TOP
Basic Nutrition for Front Line Staff
"What are whole grains? Why do I only get low-fat milk in my food package?" Do you know why certain foods were selected for the WIC food packages? Have you ever been asked a question about nutrition information and had no idea what to say? This one-day training program will provide support staff with basic information that will improve not only their knowledge about nutrition but also their ability to effectively interact with WIC participants. All WIC staff need a basic understanding of nutrition. Join us for a fun interactive day to learn about food and its impact on health!
Target audience: clerks, aides, receptionists, other frontline staff
TOP
Breastfeeding...It's What We Do! Basic Competencies for All Staff
This training will help build staff awareness, skill, and competency in the ability to provide breastfeeding support and encouragement for all WIC participants. This program will cover:
How WIC compares to the national health objective goals for breastfeeding
WIC food packages and how they support breastfeeding
How to identify best practices for establishing a good milk supply
The role of all WIC staff in promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding
How to move mothers from worry to confidence
Target audience: Mandatory for all CPAs, nutrition support staff, clerks, WIC coordinators/directors, and site managers
Please note: Not intended for breastfeeding coordinators or peer counselors. Peer counselors should attend the Peer Counselor Training program.
This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 6.5 CPEUs.
TOP
Breastfeeding...It's What We Do! Counseling Skills for WIC Staff
Training Requirement: You MUST first complete the Breastfeeding
It's What We Do! Basic Competencies for All Staff training program before attending this program.
This training program was designed specifically for CPAs. The focus is on opening the conversation about breastfeeding with WIC moms. Attendees will also practice counseling skills and how to work with moms through common issues related to breastfeeding such as:
low milk supply
positioning and latching
separation between mom and baby
Target audience: Mandatory for all CPAs; optional for all other staff
Please note: Not intended for breastfeeding coordinators or peer counselors. Peer counselors should attend the Peer Counselor Training program.
This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 6 CPEUs. This program was approved by the
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for 5.5 L-CERPs.
TOP
Certified Lactation Counseling
During this five-day training program WIC staff will practice providing information on lactation and support services to participants from prenatal to birth and beyond. Topics covered include:
Lactation basicsan overview of milk production and how to properly and successfully breastfeed
Common scenarios and how to handle them (e.g., working and breastfeeding)
Special concerns and how to respond (e.g., babies with special needs)
Contraindications to breastfeeding, including an examination of the effect of nicotine, alcohol, and medications
Trainees will use case studies and role plays to practice working with WIC participants around these issues. This program incorporates relevant topics and skills related to the VENA competencies, such as communication skills, multicultural awareness, and critical thinking.
Target audience: CPAs, dieticians, peer counselors
Please note: Trainees who attend the full training and pass an exam will be issued a CLC certificate. This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 45 CPEUs and by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for 45 L-CERPs.
TOP
Connecting the Docs: Part II
As NYS WIC programs start and continue to implement Public Health Detailing in their communities, many will find that the communication skills of the staff person(s) selected to do the detailing will have a strong impact on the success of the initiative. This two-day program will provide public health detailers with fundamental skills such as making the first introduction, integrating key WIC messages into presentations, and using motivational interviewing techniques to engage medical providers. In addition, trainees will practice for their "sales" skills, examine strategies for identifying medical providers in their communities, and discuss methods for developing record-keeping systems.
After taking this program, participants will be able to:
Demonstrate building rapport in initial conversations with
providers
Be able to name 3 steps in the sequence of a detailing visit
Develop strategies for prioritizing public health detailing
efforts
Give examples of which materials to use in support of WIC
detailing goals
Describe how to use active listening to roll with resistance and
overcome objections
Target audience: WIC staff who conduct (or will conduct) public health detailing visits
Please note: Although this training serves as a second half to the Connecting the Docs: Effective Marketing Strategies for Educating Medical Providers training program (providing additional skills practice for public health details), there are no prerequisites to take this program. Application is pending for CPEUs.
TOP
Cultural Diversity
Communication is a two-way interaction, but we often fail to really hear what people share with us. Whether or not we're speaking the same language, something always seems to get "lost in translation." This one-day training program will focus on how culture can impact the messages we send and receive. Trainees learn about how to build rapport with and engage participants in meaningful conversations and avoid "cultural collisions." The training will also look at common threads throughout cultures as a method to increase cultural competency.
Target audience: All WIC staff
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 6 CPEUs.
TOP
Enhancing Customer Service
The most important goal of all service providers is to have a satisfied customer. Satisfaction is often measured by interpersonal relationships with staff and staff's ability to manage dissatisfied customers. Another important aspect is the extent to which the service is convenient to the customer. In this one-day program, trainees will identify and examine those elements that lead to participant satisfaction with services and explore how to enhance the WIC participant's level of satisfaction with the WIC experience. Trainees will learn and practice skills that can enhance customer service including:
communication skills for different methods of communication (face-to-face and telephone)
identification of and response to participant feedback that is both positive and negative
setting and maintaining a client-centered environment that is both user-friendly and convenient
communicating messages appropriately and sensitively in order to encourage and support WIC participants
Target audience: All staff
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 6 CPEUs and by the NYS DOH for 6 CPA credits.
TOP
Fit WIC Basic
Obesity has become a major public health problem in the United States. In 2004, the CDC ranked it as the "number one health risk facing America." Coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon), hypertension, stroke, and liver and gallbladder disease are just a few of the health problems associated with obesity. And the problems don't stop there struggles with weight have also been shown to lower self-esteem, cause depression, and increase discomfort in social situations. Overweight and obesity are especially troubling problems among children, who are just starting to develop their eating habits and often have very little or no influence over what food and exercise options are available to them.
This one-day training program will concentrate on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods and physical activity. Topics covered include:
overview of Fit WIC and its purpose
importance of physical activity
examples of age-appropriate physical activities
resources for families and staff
After this training program, WIC staff will be more comfortable and confident in discussing weight issues with their participants.
Target audience: All new staff
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 4 CPEUs.
TOP
Improving Communications with Spanish-Speaking Participants
(previously titled Spanish for Nutritionists)
Hola. ΏSe habla espaρol? If you have ever felt at a loss with how to communicate with your Spanish-speaking participants, this training is for you. You will spend one day immersed in the Spanish language and culture. Using experiential exercises, role-plays, repetition, games, and practice conversations, you will learn:
common greetings and polite expressions
how to talk to participants about nutrition and medical information
how to help families with medical documentation and medical referral forms
how to ask questions in WICSIS, and much more!
Target audience: All staff
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 6 CPEUs.
TOP
Managing a Peer Counselor Program
This training program will provide attendees with a basic framework to aid in designing, building, maintaining, and sustaining a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Attendees will learn and begin to practice basic management skills needed to supervise, schedule, train, and guide peer counselors in providing education and support to participants. This program will incorporate lessons from FNS/USDA "Best Start for Management Staff" and "Laying the Foundation: A Toolkit for Implementing a Successful Breastfeeding Counselor Program." Both agencies with existing Peer Counselor Programs and agencies starting new Peer Counselor Programs are encouraged to attend.
Target audience: WIC coordinators, breastfeeding coordinators, peer counselor supervisors
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 12 CPEUs.
TOP
Motivational Interviewing
Prior attendance at the Rapport Building & Behavior Change training program is highly recommended before attending this program.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based strategy that has been proven effective in increasing participant motivation and commitment for behavior change. This two-day training will focus on developing trainee skills in using MI with resistant and ambivalent participants who are not ready to participate in outcomes-based individual nutrition plans or utilize necessary steps to address identified risks.
Target audience: CPAs and dieticians
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 11 CPEUs and by the NYS DOH for 7 CPA credits.
TOP
Participant-Centered Group Facilitation
To facilitate group discussions effectively, WIC staff need to be able to maximize participant involvement in identifying discussion topics and to elicit interactions among group members. This two-day training program will provide opportunities for trainees to learn and practice group facilitation skills including:
encouraging group participation
working with group dynamics
managing conflicts as they arise in the group
setting and maintaining norms and boundaries
In addition, trainees will practice using communication skills, cultural competency, and critical thinking in a group setting.
Target audience: Mandatory for all CPAs and nutrition support staff who plan to conduct groups
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 11 CPEUs and by the NYS DOH for 7 CPA credits.
TOP
The purpose of this training program is to assist agencies in training peer counselors. New peer counselors may attend as well as those who have completed the training but would like a refresher. This two-day training program is based on the
NY State Peer Counselor Curriculum and the Loving Support Through Peer Counseling Curriculum, and it will cover the following sections of the NYS Curriculum: Breastfeeding Basics, Counseling, Breast Anatomy, Birth and the First Days of Breastfeeding, and Latch and Positioning.
Target audience: peer counselors, breastfeeding coordinators, peer counselor supervisors
TOP
Rapport Building & Behavior Change
This two-day training program addresses two VENA principles that are essential skills for all staff to master building rapport and behavior change. Building rapport is key to establishing and maintaining a trusting relationship. During this program, trainees will discuss the importance of engaging participants in decision-making and will practice using key communication skills to build and enhance rapport with WIC participants. In addition, trainees will explore environmental, cultural, and socio-economic issues, using a participant-centered, strength-based approach to enhance rapport. Through a variety of activities and role plays, trainees will learn and practice key skills including:
validations and affirmations
reflective listening
questioning techniques
engagement strategies
ways to create a positive environment
nonverbal communication techniques
Understanding the process of behavior change is also very important for WIC staff who educate and counsel WIC participants and promote change. An introduction to an evidence-based theory called the Trans-Theoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM), also known as "Stages of Change," will be presented. The model involves "staging" a client in terms of their readiness for behavior change, then tracking their movement across stages.
Target audience: All staff
Please note: This program was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 13 CPEUs.
TOP
Specialized Breastfeeding: Hand Expression and Breast Pumps
There are times when mothers need to express breast milk —
for example, if they experience engorgement or latch
difficulties, have to return to work or school, have an
occasional outing, or want to introduce a bottle. The good news
is that in these circumstances mothers can continue to
breastfeed, and WIC can play an important role in providing
support and education to mothers when they are faced with
separation.
Participants will learn about hand expression and the ins and
outs of breast pumps. As a result of this one-day program,
participants will be able to:
Describe and practice explaining hand expression
Assess need for a breast pump
Assist with selecting the most appropriate breast pump
Describe the benefits and challenges of using a breast
pump
Share tips for breast pump maintenance
Target audience: Peer Counselors, Breastfeeding
Coordinators, WIC Staff that have completed the
"Breastfeeding...It's What We Do! Counseling Skills for WIC
Staff" (Day Two) training
Please note: This program was approved by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for 4.5 L-CERPs.
TOP
WIC Management Series: Clinic Flow
IIn an effort to promote the new vision for WIC in NYS, lead agencies are looking for creative ways to increase caseloads, reduce wait times, and improve customer service. To make this a reality, strategic planning is needed around core services and service provision. This two-day program will focus on managing clinic flow in WIC clinics as a method for meeting this goal.
At the end of the program, participants will:
review WIC core services and the strategic planning process
learn various models for managing clinic flow in settings outside of WIC
identify outreach strategies for increasing caseload
utilize assessment tools to determine barriers to clinic flow
develop an action plan for improving clinic flow
Target audience: WIC directors, managers, coordinators, site directors
Please note: Application is pending for CPEUs.
|
