What are the responsibilities and job description for the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (Counselor Assistant) position at State of South Carolina - SCDPH-PH Region-Pee Dee?
Job Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Regional Breastfeeding coordinator and with oversight of the Regional Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Manage, provides information, encouragement, and support to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers within their scope of practice to participants receiving WIC services. These contacts may be conducted by telephone, correspondence, and/or occur at other assigned facilities.
Provides information, through individual and group contacts, to prenatal women to encourage them to breastfeed, including benefits, overcoming concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Counsels techniques that elicit an address client concerns and needs.
- Provides routine breastfeeding follow-up and support for breastfeeding mothers via telephone calls and text messages, breastfeeding class, and/or clinic visits, hospital visits, and when indicated, home visits under supervision.
- Refers identified high risk mothers and babies to the Breastfeeding Coordinator and other appropriate health and medical professionals.
- Participates in providing breastfeeding educational in-services for staff and community groups. Attends appropriate staff and peer counselor meetings, support groups, and local coalitions providing community breastfeeding outreach as requested.
- Distributes appropriate educational and correspondence materials as needed, under supervision.
- Conducts and helps facilitate the following classes: How to Breastfeed Class, Circle of Friend Class, and Prenatal Class (assists with site Competent Professional Authority (CPA) ).
- Visits local hospital with under parameters and agreement outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to educate new mothers in the hospital on breastfeeding and other WIC services.
- Under supervision, assists with patient instruction, issuance, documentation, and maintenance of electric pumps and other devices as requested by Breastfeeding Coordinator and/or site CPA.
- Keeps up to date, reading current breastfeeding literature. Participates in continuing education, workshops, and in-services to update breastfeeding promotion and lactation management skills.
- Maintains accurate and appropriate documentation and files.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Agency Additional Requirements: Experience in breastfeeding at least on child. Experience as a WIC participant required.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's Degree preferred. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Additional Comments
EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
IMMUNIZATION: All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.