What are the responsibilities and job description for the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (WIC) position at New Bedford Community Health?
Flexible Work Schedule (5 hours per Week)
In Office: 3 hours - Remote: 2 hours
Are you interested in making a difference and being part of a dedicated, highly skilled professional team providing patient-centered care to a community with unique needs?
At the New Bedford Community Health, we strive to provide high quality care to meet the challenging needs of our diverse patients who need more than just health care. We offer a variety of services to the community, including primary & urgent care, women’s health, pediatrics, adult medicine, behavioral health, office based addiction treatment, and dental care. Our patients develop strong bonds with our staff and rely on them for health care, as well as guidance with some basic needs that others may take for granted.
Our mission to our patients is to educate and inspire them to be a participant in their total health care.
Our mission to the community is to be a resource and leader.
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors provide support and encouragement and educate new WIC mothers both in the prenatal and postpartum stages. They provide auxiliary support to the WIC nutrition staff in their role of guiding and assisting moms with their feeding goals
Responsibilities:
- Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
- Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
- May counsel women in the WIC clinic.
- Receives a caseload of WIC clients and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
- Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
- Is available outside usual 8 to 5 working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
- Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
- Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
- Refers mothers according to clinic-established protocols to the WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator, lactation consultant, mother's physician or nurse and social service agencies.
- Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding groups.
- Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
- Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
- May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
- Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
- Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
- Can work a minimum of 5 hours per week.
- Has a telephone and is willing to make phone calls from home.
- Has reliable transportation.
- Attends a series of breastfeeding classes.
- Observes other peer counselors or lactation consultants helping mothers breastfeed.
- Read assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
If you are interested in an exceptionally rewarding opportunity, then we would love to speak with you!
New Bedford Community Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other lawfully protected status. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V
