[Hiring] Breastfeeding Peer Counselor @Mid-Sioux Opportunity Inc

Role Description

Responsible to provide basic breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants. Duties include:

• Providing telephone counseling for pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants.
• Providing referrals according to program protocols.
• Collecting and maintaining client records.
• Assisting with breastfeeding promotion activities.

Qualifications

• Have personal experience with breastfeeding at least one baby for a minimum of 6 months.
• Be a paraprofessional: an individual without extended professional training in health, nutrition, or the clinic management of breastfeeding.
• Must be a current or previous breastfeeding WIC participant.

Requirements

• Provide basic breastfeeding information, support, and encouragement to new mothers.
• Make established periodic contacts with all assigned participants.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about breastfeeding and desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.
• Be available outside of usual clinic hours to receive phone calls or text messages from mothers who are breastfeeding.
• Educate mothers on how to prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns.
• Educate and counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants by telephone at program scheduled intervals.
• Refer participants to WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert, Competent Professional Authority (CPA) or other health or social service agency as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of all contacts made with assigned mothers and complete required reports.
• Assist WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer counselor program through special projects, outreach activities, and duties as assigned.
• Provide breastfeeding support to Spanish-speaking WIC participants.
• Provide Spanish-language assistance or translation support to WIC staff, as appropriate.
• Read assigned breastfeeding books and materials as provided.
• Become knowledgeable of Agency’s policies, practices, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.
• Remain current on topics related to breastfeeding or be willing to educate self.
• Adapt to the organization’s changing needs.
• Attend monthly meetings with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Attend scheduled breastfeeding peer counselor group meetings and conferences as appropriate.
• Complete local agency training requirements, WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum training, WIC data system training, and ongoing trainings, as required.

Benefits

• Must be able to work well with a diverse population of low-income individuals with possible language/cultural barriers.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Must maintain a good driving record.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check before hire and annually thereafter.
• Submit to a Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information’s Records check before hire and every two years thereafter.
• Local travel required.
• Keep work area neat and clean.
• Good communication and basic computer skills.
• Maintain equipment (cell phone, laptop, and any other agency issued equipment) in good working condition.