VENA Networking: Tools of the Trade

1. VENA Networking: Tools of the Trade

2. Required Materials • VENA Counseling Assessment Checklist • Circle Chart from California WIC

3. Objectives At the end of the session, staff will be able to: • List two ways to improve the clinic environment for the VENA process • List two tools to facilitate the VENA counseling session • Appreciate the value of sharing resources among clinics

4. How Can Tools Help? • They prepare the clinic, staff, & clients for the VENA process. • They help WIC counselors initiate & guide the counseling sessions. • They encourage WIC clients to walk away feeling positive & empowered.

5. Tools & Resources for Preparing All Staff • Texas WIC VENA Website • http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd/nut/vena-nut.shtm • VENA newsletter • VENA regional training PowerPoint presentations • WIC Works • http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/ • IDLs

6. Tips for All Staff • Make announcements during classes to remind clients about the new counseling process • Have clerks ask the clients to think about what they want to talk about before meeting with the counselor This gives clients time to prepare for the session.

7. Tools for Preparing the Clinic Create a Safe, Friendly Environment with Kid-Friendly Toys Do an easy online search for “waiting room toys” Price $299.95 on various websites

8. Tools for Preparing the Clinic • Welcome signs in languages spoken by clients • Art or bulletin boards reflecting client population • Adequate seating & comfortable places to breastfeed What has worked for you?

9. Tools & Resources for WIC Counselors • Various tools are available to help WIC counselors improve their counseling skills: • Counseling framework • Counseling assessment checklists • Conversation starters & agenda setting tools • Importance & confidence rulers • Language line

10. Counseling Framework Establish Rapport Complete Assessment Forms Encouragement Collaboration Critical Thinking Active Listening Identify & Explore Concerns Set Goal Close on Positive Note

11. Increasing Your Confidence as a Counselor • VENA Counseling Assessment Tools • Use these checklists to see how well you’re using your counseling skills • Observe and help each other improve Versions are available from the state agency and WIC Works

12. Example of VENA Counseling Assessment Tool Rapport Building Actions • Smile • Greet client by name • Use respectful & non-judgmental language • Handle distractions appropriately

13. Initiating Dialogue • Conversation Starters • FIT Kids flipchart • WIC Works • State Agency • Agenda Setting Tools • Circle Charts from California WIC

14. How can routines help my family? Regular meal and snack times make things easier for moms and dads, kids eat better too!! • Children need to eat often, about every 2–3 hours. • Plan for 5–6 child-sized meals or snacks a day. • Children eat slowly, take the time to relax and enjoy special time together.

15. How can routines help my family? Choose one to start the conversation • Starting routines can be hard with little kids. What kind of eating routines seem to work best for you and your family? • Regular routines (mealtimes, bath times, bedtimes) help parents feel in control and help children feel secure. Is this something you have tried? • If you try making eating more routine, please let me know how it goes for you so I can pass your ideas onto other parents.

16. Example of Agenda Setting ToolWelcome to WICWHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT TODAY?Pick a topic below or suggest a topic to discuss today. Pregnancy Discomforts Active Play “I’d rather talk about….. Drinks for Kids

17. Interactive Question • Which tools have worked best for you to initiate dialogue with clients? • Circle Charts from California WIC • FIT Kids flipchart • Other

18. Importance & Confidence Rulers • Once WIC clients have identified a topic to discuss, WIC counselors then help the client explore the topic and behaviors associated with it. • To help move the conversation along, WIC counselors may find it useful to ask “importance” and “confidence” questions to see where the client is at regarding making a behavior change.

19. Importance Ruler / Scale • “On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being extremely important, how important is it to you to … (state target behavior)?” 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Not Moderately Extremely important important

20. Confidence Ruler / Scale • On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being extremely confident, assuming you decided to …(state target behavior) how confident are you that you could succeed? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Not Moderately Extremely confident confident

21. Language Line • DSHS WIC pays for language line • Accessible 24/7 through a toll-free number • 1-800-367-9559 • enter client ID: 504020 • enter access code: (local agency number)

22. Tools to Take Away • Goal Stickers • Challenge Handout

23. Example of Challenge Handout My plan is to do the following: ______________ The reward for my family will be: ______________ Name: ______________ Date: ______________ **Post me on the refrigerator for a quick reminder**

24. Ideas from You… • Preparing the clinic • Preparing all staff • Initiating & guiding the dialogue • Increasing confidence of counseling staff • Giving clients something to take away

25. Objectives At the end of the session, staff will be able to: • List two ways to improve the clinic environment for the VENA process • List two tools to facilitate the VENA counseling session • Appreciate the value of sharing resources among clinics

26. Thank You!