Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (Part-Time, Grant Funded)

Overview

Job Summary
BILINGUAL (ENGLISH/SPANISH) PROFICIENCY STRONGLY PREFERRED DUE TO CLIENT POPULATION NEEDS.

Are you passionate about supporting families and making a positive impact on the health of mothers and babies?
Join our team as a Part-Time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor!

In this entry-level role, you’ll provide personalized breastfeeding support and nutrition education to WIC clients through an easy-to-use texting platform and phone call visits based on operational needs. You’ll empower mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges and help infants get a healthy start, all while working with a supportive team of healthcare professionals.

With flexible hours and the opportunity to promote public health in your community, this position is perfect for someone who thrives in a compassionate, client-focused environment. No advanced lactation credentials (such as CLC or IBCLC) are required, as this role is designed to be a true peer-to-peer support position.

Spanish language proficiency is essential for effective service delivery in this role.

Help families succeed—one text and call at a time! Apply today!

Hiring Range: $20.00 – $23.00 Hourly

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday with rotation of Saturday & Sunday, subject to change. Under FLSA guidelines, this position is non-exempt. This position is subject to grant funding.

The position works up to 12 hours per week, with work occurring about every 4 hours including between 8am – 9am, around 1pm, and around 5pm. The position also works in rotation checking client text messages from 9am – 9pm every 4 hours on the weekends.

Training Schedule: Training takes place over the course of about 5-6 weeks with approximately 12 hours of weekly training. Each week there will be in-person training, approx. 2, 3-hour trainings per week. The remaining 6 hours weekly will be completed remotely. This is subject to change.

 

Provides one-on-one nutrition and breastfeeding education, counseling, and assistance to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients participating in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program A texting platform is the main mode of communication with clientele. Refers to various support agencies and contacts as appropriate. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position is subject to grant funding.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Counsels WIC clients regarding program options, pregnancy, and breastfeeding utilizing a variety of skills and strategies, including active listening, goal setting, and care-plan development; provides clients with nutrition and breastfeeding education and information, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
Responds to inquiries related to the WIC program, nutrition, and common breastfeeding concerns and/or refers callers to appropriate personnel.
Receives a caseload of clients and routinely contacts assigned clients per policy via the texting platform.
Cleans breast pumps as needed; assists with managing the breast pump loan program.
Assesses client needs and refers clients to various support agencies and contacts, including the WIC Registered Dietitian or Supervisor, lactation consultant, the client’s physician or nurse, social services, food banks, and mental health organizations. Makes appropriate referrals to Registered Dietitians per High-Risk Triage tool protocols and to the Supervisor per the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Yield protocols.
Maintains accurate records of all contact made with clients. Schedules appointments utilizing computerized scheduling program. Adheres to the appropriate program’s caseload standards.
Notifies Supervisor of any changes in breastfeeding status and/or other pertinent health information or concerns; maintains strict confidentiality.
Conducts prenatal classes and facilitates breastfeeding support groups as needed. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
Attends training classes and offsite conferences/workshops/meetings and participates in continuing education as appropriate, funding permitted.
Promotes public health within the community.
Provides professional and sensitive customer service to clients and public of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge and understanding of agency policies and procedures.
Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships both within and outside the organization.
Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
Skilled in training and presentation.
Ability to successfully complete the State WIC Program Basic Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Participant Centered Education On-line Course and Baby Behavior Modules.
Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
Ability to identify results of efforts and problems identified/potential problems and to develop and recommend corrective actions.
Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports to meet management objectives.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
Ability to perform under pressure and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
Proficient in using a computer and various software packages including Microsoft Office.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Required Education & ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent education.
Two years of community health, public health, social services, or related experience.Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Has breastfed at least one baby for at least six months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Pre-Employment RequirementsMust pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.

Work Conditions
Duties are primarily performed at established work location; onsite presence will also be required as requested. May be required to assist with issues on evenings and weekends, including assisting new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems outside of business hours. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date. This is a part-time position regularly working up to 25 hours per week.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.