WIC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

CCI Health Services’ mission is to deliver high quality, accessible care to our community members, leading the way to a more equitable health care system for everyone.  

TRAINING: 

• Attends breastfeeding training, monthly breastfeeding meetings, and clinic staff meetings.
• Observes other peer counselors or breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provides breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants, including telling participants about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Assists participants with preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in the clinic at designated scheduled intervals following the Loving Support Through Peer Counseling model
• Assists with planning and facilitating breastfeeding classes.
• Provides breastfeeding classes to other programs when needed.
• Serves as the clinic advocate for breastfeeding, as observed by the Manager.
• Issues breast pumps following agency protocols for mothers who are separated from their babies or who are experiencing breastfeeding problems, making appropriate referrals when more complex problems occur.
• Appropriately documents breast pumps and other breastfeeding aids upon issuance.
• Provides referrals, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
  • WIC nutritionist
  • Breastfeeding Services manager or Lactation Consultant
  • Mothers Physician 
  • Programs in the community.

• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with the participants daily using the WOW system.
• Promotes a breastfeeding-friendly clinic by having bulletin boards with breastfeeding pictures and having breastfeeding materials available for participants.
• Respects each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential

OTHER FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• May be asked to assist participants in the hospitals.
• Available for travel for training or to fill in for other staff during work hours.
• Ability to work on-site is an essential duty for this position.

INFORMS PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE WIC PROGRAM: 

• Proactively offers participants information and materials about other community resources.
• Provides complete information on the certifying process.
• Provides correct information on Rights and Responsibilities, Program benefits, WIC foods and vendors, and the proper use of eWIC card.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 

• Performs computer record file maintenance and updates in a timely manner.
• Accurately performs daily data entry and eWIC benefits issuance.
• Makes appointments and transfers according to established policies.
• Properly maintains computers, printers, and other office equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Requires a High School Diploma or GED.
• MUST have at least one year of relevant work experience, preferably in a medical setting or an equivalent combination of training and experience to perform office routines and clerical support functions.
• Some customer service required.

• MUST have breastfed for at least 6 months.
• MUST have some previous experience with WIC as a staff or participant.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Must be fluent in English and Spanish.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to greet patients and visitors in person or over the phone, and to direct them accordingly. 
• Ability to maintain a high standard of customer service and observance of corporation protocol in a hectic and sometimes hostile situation.
• Ability to read and write to update participant information/forms, accurately communicate phone messages, and respond to visitors and callers as needed. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Proper and professional grooming is always expected.
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending or working at a desk on a computer.