WIC Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

Essential Functions

• Works directly with clients (mother to mother) in obtaining information and follow-up visits as outlined in Agency and State WIC policy and procedure.
• Completes required client records and maintains security, accuracy and completeness of written records and electronic databases.
• Performs keyboard data entry of client information as required.
• Maintains WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor workbook; keeps organized, updated, and available at all times.
• Seeks input from MaternalChild Health Program ManagerDirector of Nursing when dealing with unusual situations or difficult clients.
• Documents and keeps all records of all contacts made with WIC mothers (clients) and uses only approved abbreviations as approved abbreviations, as listed in the Agency policy and procedures.
• Assists WIC Clinic staff as needed or as requested by the MaternalChild Health Program Manager.
• Be familiar and complies with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Keeps all client information strictly confidential.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers (clients) and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers (clients) assigned.
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers (clients), including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Talks with WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (clients) by telephone, texting, and face to face visits in the clinic settings at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
• Is available outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:30 – 4:30 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. This is counted as work time.
• Refers mothers (clients), according to clinic-established protocols, to:
• WIC CHP/RN and MaternalChild Health Program Manager
• Lactation consultant (CLC)
• Mother's physician or nurse
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as determined by the MaternalChild Health Program Manager.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the MaternalChild Health Program Manager.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

Training Component

• Participates in continuing education and staff development through seminars, conferences, or workshops at personal or departmental expense as deemed appropriate be the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• WIC BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR:
• Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
• Can work 10 hours a week.
• Utilizes agency cell phone for peer counselor contacts only.
• Has reliable transportation.
• Education, Training, and Experience
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Knowledge and use of English language, grammar and spelling including neat, legible, and appropriate sentence structure. Compose and format correspondence.
• Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette including the use of the agency and personal name.
• Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Self-motivated, acts independently and initiates programmatic ideas.
• Certification and Other Requirements
• Required: Criminal background check; employee physical assessment; valid drivers' license, and automobile liability insurance.
• Recommended: CPR, First Aid, Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Maintain home or message telephone
• Physical Requirements
• Strength: Lift/carry up to 20 pounds on occasion and up to 10
  pounds frequently.
• Movement:
  • Routine: Sit, walk or stand for prolonged periods of time. Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat. Kneel, climb, and reach above shoulder level. Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone. Drive an automobile.
  • Occasional: Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor. Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.
• Blood Borne Pathogen: Occasional Occupational Exposure.

Location

Base location will be negotiable depending on applicant's location and preference.

Salary Range

Starting off $15.00 an hour

Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"