Public Health Assistant

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Job

Agency:
Department of Health - Division of Family and Community Health

Location:

Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $19.97-$23.49 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: F

Closing Date: 3/9/26

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Health - Division of Family and Community Health. For more information on the Department of Health, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Summary:

The South Dakota Department of Health's programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live, work and play; provide education to help people make good health decisions; prepare for, respond to, and prevent public health threats; and support efforts to enhance quality and accessibility of healthcare. Our services touch the lives of every person in the state of South Dakota.

We recognize that employees are our most valuable resource and we are committed to promoting a culture of excellence in DOH. We trust our employees to be innovative, challenge existing processes, and make the best decisions. We are interested in employing a diverse and skilled workforce that exhibits the values of leadership, accountability, communication, integrity, and teamwork. Public health is a diverse and growing field that offers many career options for people from a variety of educational backgrounds.

Imagine yourself as part of a winning team that is making the lives of South Dakotans healthier and safer.

The South Dakota Department of Health values flexibility in the workplace. Part of that flexibility may include the ability to work from home, depending on the needs of the position. Working from home is a privilege and is subject to review depending upon the position.

Please visit our website at  for further information about the Department of Health and the WIC Program.

This opening is for a full-time position with the South Dakota Department of Health for a WIC Public Health Assistant (WPHA) in the Office of Family Nutrition Services (OFNS). This role supports the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program in the East region of the state. The WPHA will work under the supervision of the Dietitian Manager to support nutrition services that directly impact family and community health.

This position will provide participant case management. Travel for meetings and on-site visits to maintain caseloads will be required.

Join our team and make a difference in the health and well-being of families in your community! As a WIC Case Manager, you will provide essential services to program participants, including scheduling appointments, determining eligibility, and conducting nutrition assessments to support healthy growth and lifestyle choices. This role promotes and supports breastfeeding, offers referrals to social services and community resources, and issues food benefits.

You will work collaboratively with participants to meet their goals and partner with local and regional staff to ensure exceptional service delivery.

• Provide case management for families, including initial and follow-up contacts throughout certification.
• Make referrals for nutrition, breastfeeding support, and community resources to help participants achieve healthy goals.
• Verify residency, identity, and income to determine WIC eligibility; assess participation in other programs for adjunct eligibility.
• Educate participants on WIC benefits, eWIC card use, approved foods, and digital tools (MyWIC Portal, mobile app, virtual services).
• Collect and document accurate measurements and conduct nutrition assessments.
• Promote immunizations, oral health, and other public health services.
• Collaborate with agencies to develop education plans and strengthen referral pathways.
• Participate in outreach events, trainings, and WIC meetings.
• Maintain caseload, document interactions, and provide follow-up support.
• Travel to deliver mobile WIC services via the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) van.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Lifting required up to 40 pounds for routine job duties. Work week may include days and hours outside of standard Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travel to satellite clinics may be required.

High School diploma or GED is required.

• At least 1 year of experience working in a health care or public health setting, supporting coworkers and clients in various administrative tasks.
• Preference will be provided to candidates with post-secondary education in social sciences, nutrition, medical field, or other fields related to the position.
• Preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual or multilingual.

• Strong communication skills to build collaborative relationships with clients, families, co-workers, and community partners.
• Demonstrate empathy, initiative, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to learn and apply…