WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, PT (Livingston County Residents Only)

RESIDENCY– Candidates must have been legal residents of the following jurisdiction(s) for at least four months immediately preceding the date of the application:

• Livingston County

The work involves responsibility for providing basic breastfeeding information, providing support, and encouraging prenatal and breastfeeding program participants to initiate and continue breastfeeding.  This is non-technical work involving the presentation of basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to Livingston County Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) participants.  An incumbent will work with program participants to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.  Incumbents are placed in frequent, recurring public contact situations and must be able to function both efficiently and courteously.  Incumbents must be willing and accessible to work outside clinic hours as needed.  Work is performed in the office and in the field.  Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class.  The work is performed under the direct supervision of the WIC Program Coordinator.   A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor does related work as assigned.

• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding program participants, including but not limited to benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding;
• Is available to program participants outside of usual clinic hours and outside the clinic environment;
• Makes routine periodic contact with all program participants assigned to caseload;
• Counsels prenatal and postpartum program participants via email, phone, home visits, hospital visits, and in-person meetings at scheduled intervals determined by the WIC Program;
• Maintains availability outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:00 am – 4:00 pm workday to new program participants who are having breastfeeding problems;
• Refers program participants to the WIC Program Nutritionist, their medical provider, or other community resources as necessary;
• Follows up on program participant referrals in a timely manner;
• Respects each program participant by keeping their information strictly confidential;
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with program participants;
• Documents participant referrals;
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups;
• Attends monthly staff meetings;
• Attends breastfeeding conferences/workshops, as assigned;
• Reads assigned books and materials about breastfeeding that are provided by supervisor;
• May assist in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned;
• Meets regularly with supervisor to report activities and program participant progress; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  General knowledge of breastfeeding principles and practices; ability to get along with others; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to secure the cooperation of the program participants; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of program participants; ability to maintain records; ability to speak effectively in public; tact; courtesy; initiative; enthusiasm.  The employee’s physical and mental condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position, either with or without reasonable accommodations.Applicants must meet all requirements described in the following table in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:

Qualification Option #	1
Training/Education	Possession of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma.
General experience	A former, current, or eligible WIC participant; AND Has breastfed at least one baby.
Supervisory experience	N.A.
License/Certification	See Special Qualifications below.
Other requirements	See Special Qualifications below.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor – C in all divisions

1. Access to reliable cell phone service, which may be used to perform job duties, must be maintained throughout employment.
2. Must be available to WIC program participants outside of clinic hours and outside the clinic environment.
3. Appointee must attend breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor within two (2) months of employment.
4. Appointee must complete the USDA FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum training within two (2) months of employment.
5. Appointee is required to complete six (6) hours of continuing education every year

NOTE:   Minimum Qualifications mandated by mandated by 7 CFR §246.2 as interpreted by the NYS DOH in its WIC Program Manual §1460.

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT NOTICE:
An individual who receives a provisional appointment must take the examination for the position title on the next occasion it is offered. In order to be eligible for a permanent appointment to the position, the provisional appointee must pass the exam and be ranked 1, 2, 3, or be tied in score with the individual ranked number 3 of those who are willing to accept appointment to the position. It should be understood that even if the provisional appointee is eligible for appointment, the employer may choose another candidate to fill the position on a permanent basis. Questions regarding provisional appointments should be directed to the Livingston County Human Resources Department.

Livingston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.