What are the responsibilities and job description for the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor position at DuPage County Health Department?
• Is responsible for a caseload of clients and makes routine contact by telephone, texting, home visits, and/or hospital visits.
• Talks with clients individually or in groups about feeding decisions and answers routine breastfeeding questions; provides guidance on topics including initiation of breastfeeding, prevention of and relief of common problems, maintaining milk supply and weaning.
• Provides information on the effect of foods, medications, and home remedies on lactation within clinical guidelines.
• Keeps accurate records of client contacts; identifies breastfeeding situations which require assistance and makes appropriate referrals.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes/breastfeeding support groups; assists with providing breast pumps.
• May assist staff in promoting peer counseling through special projects as assigned.
• Participates in monthly staff meetings, in-services, or other agency meetings/events; participates in quarterly State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor calls.
• Maintains required training, licensure, and/or certification.
• Participates in emergency response activities as required; maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to patient privacy laws.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and understanding of other ethnic groups and cultures; adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.
• Comprehends, processes, and applies both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job responsibilities.
• Develops and maintains positive, respectful, and professional relationships with internal and external customers.
• Supports, adapts, or delivers services in a manner which ensures understanding and inclusion of diverse client populations.
Upon hire the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor must complete the Department’s competency-based training over a period up to six months; required to attend paid New Hire Orientation; required to attend Peer Counselor training; complete the USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum training; complete department trainings for the role and responsibilities. They also must complete referrals to the Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) for complex breastfeeding problems.