Under close supervision of the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Manager, a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding women. This position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Responsible for maintaining a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned; provides 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; assists mothers with preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns; counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding women by telephone or WIC visits at scheduled intervals as determined by the local WIC Program; maintains high standards of confidentiality regarding client’s information; keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers; refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to: WIC RD and/or IBCLC, mother’s physician or nurse, public health programs in the community and social service agencies; attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups; attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate; stays current on the County’s organization structure, policies, and federal and state laws to ensure compliance regarding WIC; may assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects.; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent required, training or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, including personal breastfeeding experience, and must be a current or former participant in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license is required. Requires successful completion of a background check. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a fingerprint clearance card within 3 months of hire.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Agency provides required training program after candidate is hired; Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; principles, regulations, policies and procedures of the WIC, and other nutrition programs; principles and practices of nutrition; breastfeeding basics; community resources for information and appropriate referrals.
 
Skill in: Speaking to clients of varying backgrounds; communicating complex ideas in clear, understandable terms; public speaking; using computers and software; communicating both verbally and in writing; proper health care techniques; recognizing and reporting patient health status; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; following written and verbal instructions; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; record keeping; organization.
 
Ability to: Recognize client needs for further evaluation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; work with culturally diverse populations; demonstrate emotional maturity; communicate effectively verbally and written; perform the essential functions of the job specifications with or without a reasonable accommodation
 
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing. Working at a computer monitor for extended periods required. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and may have risk of exposure to communicable diseases.

EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE