We are seeking a caring, knowledgeable individual with personal breastfeeding experience to support new parents in our WIC program. Duties include offering guidance, answering questions, and providing encouragement by phone, online, and in person. Strong communication and empathy are essential.
Part-time. Training provided. IPERS eligible position. EOE

EXPECTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership

GENERAL SUMMARY:

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides basic breastfeeding information, encouragement and support to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Attends a series of breastfeeding classes.

Reads assigned bools or materials about breastfeeding.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, Duties and ABILITIES:

1. Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.

2. Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.

3. 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. She also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.

4. Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, clinic visits and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.

5. Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.

6. Respect each mother by keeping information strictly confidential.

7. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.

8. Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:

a. WIC nutritionist and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.

b. Lactation consultant/counselor.

c. Mother’s physician or nurse. Client will be encouraged to contact their primary provider when necessary for questions/concerns.

d. Public health programs in the community.

e. Social service agencies.

9. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.

10. Attends monthly staff meeting and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.

11. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

12. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by Project Director.

13. Enthusiasm about breastfeeding and desires to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience;

14. Good communication and adequate computer skills;

15. Demographic similarities with the WIC participants served by the local agency such as age, ethnicity, and language;

16. Reliable transportation;

17. Knowledge of Agency’s policies, practices and procedures.

18. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.

19. Ability to work with confidential information.

21. Ability to work in a team-based environment.

22. Ability to adapt to the organization’s changing needs.

NOTE: A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential functions. All duties and responsibilities listed above are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform each duty or function proficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Currently a WIC participant or must have been a WIC participant in the past and must have breastfed at least one baby.

Must have a telephone and be willing to make phone calls from home.

Must be available outside the usual clinic operating hours to mothers who are breastfeeding. Will be required to attend monthly WIC clinics as specified by the Peer Counselor Coordinator.

Can work up to 16 hours per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This factor measures the surrounding or physical conditions under which a job must be done and the extent to which those conditions make the job disagreeable. Consider the presence and relative amount of exposure to dust, fuel, dirt, heat fumes, contaminants, cold, noise, vibration, wetness, etc.

Normal working conditions with the absence of disagreeable conditions

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Furthermore, this document does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

We are seeking a caring, knowledgeable individual with personal breastfeeding experience to support new parents in our WIC program. Duties include offering guidance, answering questions, and providing encouragement by phone, online, and in person. Strong communication and empathy are essential.
Part-time. Training provided. IPERS eligible position.

EOE AD#2528