Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The DC WIC Workforce Development Project addresses a critical issue faced by the WIC program: the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified nutrition professionals. WIC is a vital public health nutrition program that supports low-income women, infants, and children by providing essential nutrition services. However, the program has struggled with high staff turnover, particularly among nutritionists and support staff. This issue has extensive consequences, affecting the quality of services provided to WIC participants and has led to workforce instability that undermines the program's effectiveness. The lack of clear career pathways, financial barriers to further education, and limited opportunities for professional advancement are key factors contributing to these challenges. Addressing these issues is not only important for the sustainability of the WIC program but also has broader implications for public health, workforce development, and the community.To address these challenges, the project will implement a comprehensive approach to workforce development, focusing on education, professional development, and leadership training. This includes creating pathways for WIC staff at all levels to pursue higher education, such as bachelor's and master's degrees in nutrition, and providing paid internships to attract diverse talent into the program. The project will also support a WIC Workforce Development Pathway that allows staff to gain the credentials needed to become registered dietitians while continuing to work within the WIC program. Additionally, the project will offer leadership training for WIC managers and directors, equipping them with the skills needed to lead effectively and sustain program improvements. By investing in the education and development of WIC staff, the project aims to build a more stable, diverse, and capable workforce that can better meet the needs of the communities it serves.The ultimate goal of this project is to create a sustainable model for recruiting and retaining qualified staff within the WIC program, ensuring that the program can continue to provide high-quality nutrition services to those who need them most. By improving career pathways and removing barriers to professional advancement, the project seeks to enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and increase the representation of minority professionals in the field of nutrition. The anticipated benefits of this project are significant, including improved public health outcomes, greater workforce diversity, and stronger community engagement. By ensuring that WIC staff are well-trained and motivated, the project will contribute to the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations, ultimately leading to healthier families and communities.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Goal 1: Support at least 2 frontline staff without degrees to obtain a bachelor's degree in nutrition or health related program that will enable them work as nutritionist assistants in the WIC program annually.Goal 2: Support at least 2 degreed nutritionists to obtain a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics that will qualify them to obtain the registered dietitian license annually.Goal 3: Support at least 2 breastfeeding support staff to obtain the credit hours necessary to become credentialed breastfeeding professionalsGoal 4: Create a mentorship and training program for at least 4 nutrition and public health students annually and a formal WIC Leadership Confernce annually for WIC Clinic Managers to be exposed to the management of public health programs at the WIC State Agency.?
Project Methods
The project aims to address staffing challenges within the DC WIC program through a comprehensive workforce development strategy. This strategy focuses on increasing recruitment, retention, and professional development opportunities for WIC staff. The project will be conducted using a blend of traditional and innovative scientific methods, emphasizing long-term educational opportunities and structured career pathways.General Scientific Methods and Unique Aspects1. Educational Pathways:The project introduces a pathway for staff with a GED or some college credit to work towards obtaining a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field. This pathway is designed to be accessible while allowing staff to continue working. The educational journey can lead to qualifications like Dietetics Technician Registered (DTR) or Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), providing a clear route for professional advancement within WIC.Similar to the current dietetic internship application process, interested candidates will be asked to submit a statement showing their interest and commitment to WIC and articulate their future career goals. They will need receive support from their current manager. Selection will be done by the dietetic internship coordinator, an academic and WIC representative for proper evaluation. Participants will be given clear guidelines on funding limits, time limits on study completion as well as commitment to work for WIC post-graduation. The progress of all recipients will be monitored and evaluated before, during and after their program to include possible drop-out rates, grades, and career intentions.2. Scholarship Support for Higher Education:WIC staff and external nutrition students interested in pursuing careers within WIC will be offered scholarships for master's degree programs in nutrition. These students will also be required to commit to working within the WIC program for a specified period post-graduation, ensuring a steady influx of qualified professionals into the workforce.3. Mentorship and Public Health Training Program:Paid internships will be introduced to support students from diverse backgrounds, including undergraduate and master's level students. This initiative ensures that the internship opportunities are accessible to a broader range of students, fostering diversity within the WIC workforce.DC WIC State Agency will also offer an annual seminar to train Local Agency WIC Directors, Nutrition Coordinators, Breastfeeding Coordinators and other staff interested in WIC leadership on public health competencies, program management and grants managementAnalysis, Evaluation, and Interpretation of ResultsData Collection and Evaluation:The project will utilize quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including surveys, employment records, and academic performance metrics. Key indicators such as job satisfaction, retention rates, and the number of staff obtaining advanced credentials will be measured.Milestones and Indicators of Success:Tracking the enrollment and graduation rates of WIC staff in educational programs.Monitoring job satisfaction through annual surveys.Evaluating the number of staff who complete the program and pass the RD exam.Monitoring job retention at the state and local agency levels.Data Analysis:Statistical analysis software will be used to perform data quality checks and analyze trends related to workforce development, such as the impact of educational interventions on retention rates and career progression within the WIC program.Evaluation Plan:Evaluation will be ongoing, with mid-project assessments allowing for adjustments to be made based on early findings. This evaluation process ensures that the project remains aligned with its goals and can adapt to any emerging challenges or opportunities.Efforts to Cause Change in Knowledge, Actions, or ConditionsEducational Programs and Outreach: The project includes the development and delivery of formal educational programs, such as degree pathways, internships, and professional development workshops. These efforts aim to increase the knowledge and skills of WIC staff, thereby improving the quality-of-service delivery. Providing internship opportunities within DC WIC will open the door for students to pursue a career in WIC.Curriculum Development and Innovative Teaching: Collaborations with local universities will lead to increased educational opportunities for WIC staff. Innovative teaching methodologies, such as blended learning and hands-on practicum experiences, will be integrated into these programs to enhance learning outcomes for working adults.Professional Leadership Development: The project will offer annual seminars and leadership training for WIC directors and supervisors, focusing on public health competencies, program management, and grants management. These efforts aim to build leadership capacity within the WIC program, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.Evaluation of Outputs and OutcomesImpact Assessment: The success of the project will be measured through various impact assessment methods, including the tracking of program enrollment, completion rates, job satisfaction surveys, and retention statistics. These metrics will be analyzed to determine the overall effectiveness of the workforce development strategy.Quantifying Impact: The project will quantify its impact by measuring the number of staff who successfully transition through the educational pathways, obtain advanced credentials, and remain employed within the WIC program. Additionally, the diversity of the WIC workforce will be assessed, particularly the representation of BIPOC individuals in nutrition and dietetics roles.Dissemination of Findings:Findings from the project will be disseminated through presentations at national and regional conferences, as well as through peer-reviewed journal articles. This will ensure that the knowledge gained from the project contributes to the broader field of public health nutrition and workforce development.By integrating traditional methods with innovative approaches, this project aims to create a sustainable model for WIC workforce development, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and better health outcomes for WIC participants.