Processing Assistant III - WIC / Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The primary purpose of the Processing Assistant III / Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is to process participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and to provide basic breastfeeding information and support to all WIC eligible pregnant women and new mothers.WIC Client Services

• Complete certification/participation application including requirements for eligibility, physical presence, proof of identity, proof of residence, the National Voter Registration Act, and the certification schedule. 
• Answer inquiries, provide informational materials as needed, document and maintain record keeping components. 
• Review, add and/or update family demographics, family household size and income and patient contact information. Demographics include, but not limited to: name, address, phone numbers.
• Inform participant to review rights and responsibilities and obtain signature.
• Determine need for height/weight measurements and blood work.  If needed, collect participant’s height and weight measurements and order labs.
• Scan necessary documents into the Crossroads system.
• Determine participant’s next appointment type and schedule accordingly.  Types include initial certification, subsequent certification, nutritional education and/or mid-certification assessment.
• Issue food benefits according to food package prescribed by nutritionist and explain how food benefits are redeemed and provide the brochure of WIC approved foods that can be purchased. 
• Issue eWIC cards to participants.
• Receive and direct in-coming telephone calls, fax, and correspondence.
• Maintain filing system for all WIC administrative records, according to federal guidelines.
• Print appropriate letters for clients who are or will be ineligible for WIC services.
• Issue transfer out (VOC) forms and receive transfer in (VOC) forms of participants within the Crossroads system.
• Maintain daily appointment schedule for the WIC office.
• Mail Notification letters according to policy.

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Duties

• Promote and encourage breastfeeding as the ideal method of infant feeding to all WIC participants.
• Provide consultation, clinical support, and emotional encouragement to prenatal and breastfeeding women.
• Share evidence-based breastfeeding information through informal conversations in WIC and Maternity Clinics.
• Hospital visits to CarolinaEast Medical Center to follow up and make required contact with newly delivered women enrolled in the program.
• Discuss breastfeeding with participants and their families to promote understanding and support.
• Provide scheduled and unscheduled phone contacts to breastfeeding peer counseling participants.
• Offer appropriate counseling regarding breastfeeding issues and concerns.
• Provide anticipatory guidance based on assessment of each client’s needs.
• Refer participants to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Manager, and when necessary, to the nurse, nutritionist, or lactation consultant for additional support.
• Report caseload activities and notable concerns to the Program Manager.
• Assist mothers in developing and implementing plans to continue breastfeeding during minor illnesses, return to work or school, temporary separations, minor milk-supply variations, and moderate engorgement or plugged ducts.
• Be knowledgeable about breastfeeding aids (manual and electric pumps, breast shells, breast pads) and assist mothers in understanding and obtaining these aids.
• Document all prenatal and breastfeeding contacts—phone and in-clinic—on the appropriate peer counselor contact sheets.
• Maintain records of all breastfeeding education activities according to policies in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Guide and local agency manuals.
• Attend all Breast Feeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) quarterly trainings in order to remain current on breastfeeding evidence-based information and retain position as a breastfeeding peer counselor.
• Attend any breastfeeding meetings required by BFPC Program Manager or Nutrition Director.
• Be familiar with all breastfeeding resource materials sent to the Crave County Health Department WIC office by the State Breastfeeding Coordinator or any other CNSS staff member.  Is responsible for using these breastfeeding resource materials to keep current on all breastfeeding evidence-based information and using that information when counseling a client.

Other

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or management
• In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.

Graduation from high school and demonstrated possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through at least one year of office assistant/secretarial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Based on the WIC program guidelines, the employee must have breastfed an infant and satisfactorily complete the state approved Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Core (BFPC) Curriculum training course prior to providing BFPC services to any client here at the Craven County Health Department.  

Special Requirements
G.S. 153A-94.2(b) Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of relevant state and county laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and policies related to work assignments.

General knowledge of modern office practices and equipment. 

Basic knowledge of the community and available resources.

Skills in the operation of common office equipment, including computers for data and word processing and records management.       

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to read, comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.  

Ability to apply attention to detail and type with speed and accuracy.  

Ability to read various medical / financial documents pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. 

Ability to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. 

Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize workflow and to coordinate activities.  

Ability to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary.  

Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Ability to practice effective counseling techniques.

Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in frequent contact with customers and the general public. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.