LTE Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The Board of Health for Madison and Dane County is recruiting for a limited term employee (LTE) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor position.

Limited Term employees are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

This paraprofessional position provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and/or breastfeeding who are participating in the WIC program.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Completes ongoing training related to breastfeeding and the WIC program.  Provides breastfeeding education and support during WIC clinic hours though in-person visits and phone contacts.  Meets program participants in community spaces, hospitals, and in home visits, as appropriate.  Provides breastfeeding support after normal clinic hours.  Completes contacts in accordance with the local program’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Procedure.  Refers program participants to appropriate staff based on the scope of the peer counselor.  Communicates with the community about the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and the role of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.  Participates in agency and community-wide workgroups aimed at removing barriers to breastfeeding.  Meets regularly with the program’s Breastfeeding Coordinator and the WIC Program Manager.

Education, Training & Experience:

Minimum requirements include: 1) High School diploma or equivalent. 2) Personal experience with breastfeeding, having successfully breastfed at least one (1) infant for a minimum of six (6) months within the past three (3)-year period prior to hire.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.  Must obtain required immunizations within six (6) months of hire and remain current with required immunizations.  Flexibility to work during public health emergencies requiring availability 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.  Availability to work during non-regular/scheduled work hours to help new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems outside of the usual clinic hours. Wants to help others enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.  Experience with, flexibility and willingness to work effectively with culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations and communities, including people of different cultures, values and beliefs; in rural, urban or suburban settings, and with individuals and groups at different levels of learning and with different learning styles.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Work occurs at the PHMDC clinic on South Park Street, clinic on E. Washington, and at a variety of public health offices and community-based settings. Ability to travel between locations is required. During the course of the day, work could involve starting at one location and then traveling to other locations. Conferences or seminars may require travel outside of Dane County. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching and driving. Ability to lift, move and transport a variety of work related materials up to 25 pounds. Ability to sit for prolonged periods. Phone and computer use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Good vision and hearing with corrective devices, as needed. Working conditions may vary in relation to heat, cold, fatigue, etc.

Experience providing quality customer service. Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.  Able to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrates ability to learn.  Demonstrates reliability, dependability, and flexibility.  Demonstrates capability to work sensitively and effectively with individuals and families including people of diverse ages, cultures, ethnicity, and educational status.  Able to maintain confidentiality and can exercise judgment while answering questions, giving direction, and seeking help.  Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public.  Ability to follow prescribed standards and procedures.  Ability to cope effectively with change, frequent interruptions and deadlines.  Knowledge of computer operation concepts and procedures.  Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices.  Ability to operate standard office machines.  Ability to support the work, policies, and strategic plans of PHMDC.

Salary : $30