Breastfeeding peer counselor

Department: WIC

Reports to: WIC/MH Director

Primary Work Location: Remote

Pay Status: Hourly

Eligible for Benefits: No

Work Hours: 10-18 hours per week. Hours vary according to client needs. Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Responsible to provide basic breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants. Duties include providing telephone counseling for pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants, provide referrals according to program protocols, collect and maintain client records and assist with breastfeeding promotion activities.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors must:

• Have personal experience with breastfeeding at least one baby for a minimum of 6 months.
• Be a paraprofessional: an individual without extended professional training in health, nutrition, or the clinic management of breastfeeding.
• Must be a current or previous breastfeeding WIC participant.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor’s responsibilities include, but is not limited to the following:

• Provide basic breastfeeding information, support and encouragement to new mothers, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Make established periodic contacts with all assigned participants.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about breastfeeding and desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.
• Be available outside of usual clinic hours to receive phone calls or text messages from mothers who are breastfeeding.
• Educate mothers on how to prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns.
• Educate and counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants by telephone at program scheduled intervals.
• Refer participants to WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert, Competent Professional Authority (CPA) or other health or social service agency as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of all contacts made with assigned mothers and complete required reports.
• Assist WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer counselor program through special projects, outreach activities and duties as assigned.
• Provide breastfeeding support to Spanish-speaking WIC participants.
• Provide Spanish-language assistance or translation support to WIC staff, as appropriate.
• Read assigned breastfeeding books and materials as provided.
• Become knowledgeable of Agency’s policies, practices and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.
• Remain current on topics related to breastfeeding or be willing to educate self.
• Adapt to the organization’s changing needs.
• Attend monthly meetings with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Attend scheduled breastfeeding peer counselor group meetings and conferences as appropriate.
• Complete local agency training requirements, WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum training, WIC data system training and ongoing trainings, as required.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation.
• Must maintain a good driving record.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check before hire and annually thereafter.
• Submit to a Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information’s Records check before hire and every two years thereafter.
• Local travel required.
• Keep work area neat and clean.
• Good communication and basic computer skills.
• Maintain equipment (cell phone, laptop and any other agency issued equipment) in good working condition.