VENA Networking: Tools of the Trade
Jan 16, 2016
VENA Networking: Tools of the Trade
Required Materials
VENA Counseling Assessment Checklist
Circle Chart from California WIC
ObjectivesAt 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
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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
Counseling Framework
Establish Rapport
Set Goal
Identify & Explore Concerns
Complete Assessment Forms Encouragement Collaboration
Critical ThinkingActive Listening
Close on Positive Note
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
Example of VENA Counseling Assessment Tool
Rapport Building Actions
Smile
Greet client by name
Use respectful & non-judgmental language
Handle distractions appropriately
Initiating Dialogue
Conversation StartersFIT Kids flipchartWIC WorksState Agency
Agenda Setting ToolsCircle Charts from California WIC
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.
How can routines help my family?Choose one to start the conversation1. Starting routines can be hard with little kids. What kind of
eating routines seem to work best for you and your family?
2. Regular routines (mealtimes, bath times, bedtimes) help parents feel in control and help children feel secure. Is this something you have tried?
3. 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.
Example of Agenda Setting Tool
Welcome to WIC
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT TODAY?
Pick a topic below or suggest a topic to discuss today. Drinks for Kids
Active Play
Pregnancy Discomforts
“I’d rather talk about…..
Interactive Question
Which tools have worked best for you to initiate dialogue with clients?
1) Circle Charts from California WIC
2) FIT Kids flipchart
3) Other
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.
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 10Not Moderately
Extremely
important important
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 10Not Moderately
Extremelyconfident confident
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)
Tools to Take Away
Goal Stickers
Challenge Handout
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**
Ideas from You…
Preparing the clinic Preparing all staff Initiating & guiding the dialogue Increasing confidence of counseling staff Giving clients something to take away
ObjectivesAt 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
Thank You!