Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The Callaway County Health Department is seeking applications for a part-time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor / Health Professional Assistant position. The starting hourly rate is $15.00 - $18.00 per hour, depending on experience. Part-time positions are not eligible for benefits. This position works approximately 15 - 20 hours per week.

This is a paraprofessional position that works in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) providing peer breastfeeding education and support and assists in collecting and entering data needed for the certification process in the Missouri WIC Information Network System (MOWINS).

The Callaway County Health Department is located at 4950 County Road 304 in Fulton. The normal business hours for the Health Department are 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Callaway County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Hourly Base Salary Based on Experience

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Previous/current personal breastfeeding experience required.
• Previous/current WIC participant preferred.
• Basic Computer skills including Microsoft Office Programs.
• Willing and able to learn new computer systems/programs utilized in the department.
• Basic interpersonal skills including phone etiquette and ability to interact with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Physical Ability: commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be able to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, drive, kneel, reach with hands/arms, and stoop/crouch.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer.
• Must have clarity of vision and precise hand-eye coordination, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify and distinguish colors and have clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• May be required to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Work Environment: commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job:

• Exposed to potentially hazardous bodily fluids.
• Exposed to loud noise levels.
• Employees may interact with upset members of the public or their representatives while enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Responsibilities:

• Provides breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers via clinic visits, hospital visits, in-home visits, texting, telephone, classes/support group meetings and social media.
• Facilitates/teaches breastfeeding support groups/prenatal infant feeding classes.
• Provides breastfeeding assessments and assistance in the WIC clinic.
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers. Works with WIC staff to coordinate breastfeeding services for participants.
• Documents breastfeeding contacts in participants WIC record in MOWINS system.
• Refers participants appropriately according to clinic protocols, to the: WIC registered dietitian, lactation consultant, participant's physician, public health programs, social service agencies.
• Collaborates with local hospitals, physicians, employers, and community partners to coordinate breastfeeding help and support for participants.
• Issues breast pumps to participants. Follows clinic protocol to properly demonstrate pumps to participants and documents appropriately in MOWINS system.
• Attends the Central Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition meetings and any other state or local breastfeeding coalition meetings.
• Assists with outreach activities and events, including World Breastfeeding Week events.
• Answers after hour's breastfeeding helpline.
• Maintains social media accounts; posts breastfeeding related information.

Health Professional Assistant Responsibilities:

• Greets WIC participants with a positive attitude, providing excellent customer service and resolving service issues as needed.
• Reviews and documents eligibility requirements for proof of income, residency and/or identity and enters them into MOWINS (WIC system).
• Obtains certification data from participants: height/length, and weight measurements, hemoglobin values, health and medical history. Data is entered into WIC system - MOWINS.
• Informs participants about the benefits and services of the WIC program, refers participants to appropriate social, health and/or nutrition services.
• Schedules participants accurately to insure benefits are not missed by the client.
• Answers WIC phone and triages calls; determines what client needs and refers to professional staff when appropriate.
• Issues food benefits onto an electronic WIC card in accordance with State policy and instructs participants on shopping and redemption procedures.
• Participates in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in staff in-services and/or training sessions related to WIC policies/procedural changes
• Maintains strict confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations
• Proficiently utilizes computer software programs (i.e., MOWINS, MOHSAIC, ShowMeVax, WIC Direct) to accurately enter WIC specific data, checking Medicaid status and immunization status.
• Utilizes the WIC Direct system and state help desk to troubleshoot participant complaints or issues with the eWIC card.
• Explains to the participant the importance of keeping their electronic WIC card safe, keeping their scheduled appointments, and their rights and responsibilities which includes but is not limited to avoiding dual participation and fraud.

Callaway County is known for providing great service to our citizens and ensuring they have an exceptional experience with each encounter. Located in Fulton, our dedicated team is constantly growing and we are always looking for great talent. Apply to our team today!