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WIC Peer Counselor

Position: Peer Counselor

Program: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Reports to: Breast Feeding Coordinator

Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Variable, (7-9 hours per week)

Starting Wage: $15.75/hour

Location: Cortland, NY

Job Function: Responsible for giving basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by performing the following duties.

Peer Counselor Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Attends breastfeeding training. Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help mothers enjoy a positive experience.
Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts at scheduled intervals and as needed with all mothers assigned.
Is available to WIC participants outside of usual clinic hours and outside the clinic environment. Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including guidance on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start. Assists mothers in preventing and managing common breastfeeding concerns, and refers them to the Breastfeeding Coordinator, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator, and/or Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) for issues beyond the peer counselor's scope of practice.

Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols to:

WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator

Lactation consultant

Mother’s physician or nurse

Public health programs in the community

Social Service agencies

Infant’s health care provider

Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate and budget allows.
Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling and promoting breastfeeding in the community through special projects and duties as assigned.
Completes the required number of hours annually to meet Continuing Education requirements as outlined in Section 1467 and the WPM LA Policy on Staff Training.

Qualifications and Requirements: High school education or equivalent preferred. Recruited and hired from WIC’s target population, and, to the extent possible, represent the same racial/ethnic background as the participants they support. Must have personal experience with breastfeeding with at least one baby. Within six months, complete all required training in the NYS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum. Must have a NYS driver's license.

CAPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and physical or mental disability. CAPCO will make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates in adherence of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York Human Rights Act.