Job Objective:

The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BPC) is a paraprofessional staff person who provides breastfeeding education and support for WIC participants following California WIC Program policies and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor guidelines. The BPC is responsible for evaluating breastfeeding problems under the direction of the Local Agency Peer Counselor Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Breastfeeding education and support

• Attends the USDA breastfeeding peer counselor training to become a peer counselor.
• Counsel pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in person, by telephone and other communication platforms.
• Counsel pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women in assigned WIC clinic(s).
• Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine periodic contacts with all assigned participants.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and getting a good start with breastfeeding. The Peer Counselor also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Respects each participant by keeping information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the:
• WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator.
• IBCLC
• The mother’s physician or nurse.
• Public health programs in the community.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends Local Agency staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Meets monthly with the Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Completes duties as assigned by the Director and Peer Counselor Coordinator to meet the needs of the WIC Program.

Documentation

• Enters appropriate documentation into the Peer Counselor Database and WIC WISE

Non-Essential Duties:

• Maintain supply cupboard at AV Medical Center for Peer Counselor program moms

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the WIC Program
• Excellent knowledge of WIC Program breasfeeding principles
• Knowledge of breastfeeding issues and how to refer for assistance
• Excellent command of the English Language

Skills

• Perform duties in a timely manner
• Excellent customer service skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills and customer focus

Abilities

• Ability to maintain composure under stressful situations
• Ability to empathize with participants of the WIC Program
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to have reliable transportation
• Ability to speak in public

Core Competencies: All AVH employees will effectively demonstrate these behaviors:

• Accountability
• Action Oriented
• Customer Focused
• Compassion
• Effective Communication
• Teamwork
• Ethics & Values
• Integrity & Trust

AVMC Values: All AVMC employees will effectively demonstrate these values:

• Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
• Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
• Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
• Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
• Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
• Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.

Education and Experience:

Education

• High School Diploma

Experience

• Has breastfed a child for at least 6 months

Required Licensure and/or Certifications:

• California drivers’ license and current car insurance

AVMC Conduct/Compliance Expectations:

• Ability to adhere with AVMC Absenteeism and Tardiness Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVMC Recording of Hours Worked Policy
• Ability to adhere to the department dress code
• Ability to organize work and establish priorities
• Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
• Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
• Conforms to AVMC Standards of Excellence
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
• Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff
• Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVMC
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
• Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
• Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
• Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
• Conforms with required and appropriate JCAHO requirements
• Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
• Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
• Display a willingness to work as a team player
• Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
• Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of Directors
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its requirements; complies with duty to report behavior standard; demonstrates understanding of purpose for a Compliance hotline and the importance of seeking guidance from a supervisor or the Compliance Officer when in doubt regarding a possible compliance issue
• Ability to follow the Code of Business Conduct (Standards of Business Ethics and Integrity)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to stand and walk for most of the day
• Must be able to function in a noisy crowded environment
• Must be able to lift and carry 15 pounds for short distances
• Must be able to work schedule required by the needs of the Program
• Must be able to wear latex gloves or equivalent

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

Education and Experience:

Education

• High School Diploma

Experience

• Has breastfed a child for at least 6 months

Required Licensure and/or Certifications:

• California drivers’ license and current car insurance