WIC Workforce Development Initiative

Overview

The work under this initiative is based on the recommendations in the National WIC Workforce Strategy developed by the University of Minnesota Extension. to:

• Conduct a job study to research the work that must be performed at every layer of WIC delivery to identify specialized roles and explore consistent job titles for those who are performing this work. 
• Develop long-term learning opportunities for frontline staff, supervisors, and managers through a national WIC technical assistance and peer coaching model. 
• Develop continuous and systematic ways to understand the WIC workforce perspective on core workforce engagement issues including employee engagement, workforce trends such as tenure and turnover, work climate, and learning needs for advancement and professional development. 
• Study and explore how policies and procedures affect the quality of WIC services delivered to diverse families. 

If these recommendations are implemented over the next five years, they will result in: 

• A WIC Program that is innovative in meeting the changing needs of families. 
• The ability to recruit and retain the best talent. 
• Improved reach to populations that are eligible for WIC but not enrolled. 
• An increased likelihood that WIC participants adopt nutrition education and breastfeeding support recommendations

This initiative is supported with $21 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.