About Job

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Site Leader, WIC Clinical Operations Coordinator, Breastfeeding Coordinator, and Peer Counselor Coordinator, the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is responsible for performing designated services within a clinical setting and supporting WIC’s efforts to help women initiate and continue breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors address barriers to breastfeeding in normal breastfeeding situations through education, support, and role modeling. The WIC program services are provided throughout Bell County to include Temple, Killeen, Fort Hood, Call Center and mobile unit locations.

Job Duties:

Promotes breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding according to the Breastfeeding Promotion Plan.
Acts as a positive parenting and breastfeeding role model for WIC participants.
Offers support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers and infants during regular WIC hours, as well as outside of standard clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic, as assigned.
Under the direction of the Breastfeeding Coordinator, administers breastfeeding (BF) information/activities, which include BF classes, BF education, and participation in helping to coordinate BF events/promotion.
Conducts breastfeeding support groups at local agency WIC clinics.
Provides written and verbal information on the benefits of and techniques associated with breastfeeding to WIC participants.
Addresses specific concerns of pregnant women and corrects misinformation that may prevent a woman from breastfeeding.
Provides one-on-one counseling to pregnant and breastfeeding women in-person and over the phone, including appropriate follow-up.
Identifies breastfeeding experiences that are not the norm and makes appropriate referrals.
Makes referrals for clients who need services not provided by WIC according to local and state policies.
Provides support and information to breastfeeding mothers who may need help or advice to continue breastfeeding while working or attending school.
Instructs WIC participants on the proper usage and maintenance of breast pumps.
Issues manual and electric breast pumps according to local and state policy guidelines.
Documents counseling accurately within the TXIN system in a timely manner.
Attends peer counselor staff meetings and trainings.·
Performs clerical and receptionist duties as needed to ensure a smooth workflow.
Weighs and measures clients according to guidelines.
Takes blood samples for a hemoglobin/hematocrit test according to guidelines.
Issues WIC benefits to program participants according to policies.
Conducts or assists with nutrition education and classes according to WIC policies as assigned.
Conducts WIC outreach as assigned.
Demonstrates exemplary customer service and resolves client concerns in a timely manner.
Utilizes good time management skills in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Consciously follows through on requests and instructions in a timely manner.
Maintains confidentiality of information.
Utilizes proper dress and grooming habits and always presents BCPHD WIC Program in a positive light and professional manner.

Other Duties

Other duties assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

Understands the organizational mission
Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

Ability to adapt to change

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Written and verbal English competency
Able to read and follow directions

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED
Must have breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.
Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals.
Are not licensed or credentialed health professionals such as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), or nurses.

Licenses/Certifications/Designation Required

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Computer Proficiency Required:

Basic skills in MS Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word, and MS Excel programs are required
Ability to learn new systems

Additional Requirements:

Must have appropriate immunizations according to BCPHD policy.

Special Skills:

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish are preferred, not required
Employee must be able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing
Employee must have a valid Texas Driver’s License

Work Environment:

Physical Requirements

Employee must be in good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
Prolonged standing, sitting or driving may be required.
Employee must be able to lift supplies, educational materials, equipment, and/or children weighing up to 20 lbs.
Work schedule will extend until 5:30 PM on weekdays and will include at least one Saturday each month.
Employee may be required to work at least 10-hour work schedules.
Employee may be assigned to work at any WIC location in response to staff shortages, increased client service demand or public health emergency response.
Increased risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases/tuberculosis. Limited access to clinical lab areas containing biohazardous material.

The Bell County Public Health District currently offers 100% employer paid medical, dental & vision for employee coverage.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance :

The Bell County Public Health District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires BCPHD to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits: