Description

Title: WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor                                                                         

Reports to: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator 

Job Summary:

Contribute to the mission and vision of MICA by creating a positive, respectful, and safe environment when working with families and agency and community partners. A breastfeeding peer counselor is a mother who has personal experience with breastfeeding and is trained to provide basic breastfeeding information, support and encouragement to new mothers.  She must be enthusiastic about breastfeeding and desires to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience. Supports MICA’s mission, vision, values, Ways of Working, and Whole Family Approach.

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

Compliance

·        Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers at the WIC clinic during scheduled clinic hours.

·        Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers by phone, email, text or face-to-face at scheduled intervals.

·        Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding mothers outside the usual clinic hours.

·        Educates mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and getting a good start with breastfeeding.

·        Works within the peer counselor scope of practice and make referrals when needed. 

·        Must have access to the internet from home and maintain accurate records of all contacts made with assigned mothers using the WIC electronic data system.

·        Keeps each client’s information strictly confidential.

·        Assists with prenatal breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups for WIC participants.

·        Completes and submits weekly activity reports to the breastfeeding peer counselor coordinator.

·         Attends monthly breastfeeding peer counselor group meetings and occasional breastfeeding conferences and/or workshops.

·        Assists WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer counseling program through special projects, outreach activities and duties assigned.

Develop skills and knowledge related to the position

·        Complete the initial Loving Support classes to become a breastfeeding peer counselor.

·        Observe other breastfeeding peer counselors, WIC dietitians and nurses.

·        Mentor newly hired peer counselors as assigned.

·        Learn how to use the WIC electronic system.

·        Complete continuing education as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

·        Able to read, write and speak the English language.

·        Must be a current or former WIC participant

·        Personal breastfeeding experience (with at least one baby) and enthusiasm about breastfeeding.

·        Committed to the inherent worth of every individual.

·        Able to provide breastfeeding guidance to nursing mothers.

·        Excellent communication and customer service skills

·        Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and practices

·        Dedicated to continuous learning

·        Strong teamwork skills.  Able to collaborate in a positive and respectful way with families, agency co-workers and community partners.

·        High level of confidentiality and ethical conduct.   

·        Basic Computer skills.

Working Conditions (Essential physical, mental and emotional demands):  The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·        This is a casual plus position.  The position requires flexibility and the ability to work outside the usual clinic hours. The position also requires the peer counselor to work in the WIC clinic a few hours every month to be available to meet with pregnant and breastfeeding women.

·        The position gives the employee the ability to work from home. 

·        This position requires communication with participants when they need support including evenings or during the night.

·        Constant interaction with program participants and colleagues.  Requires constant strong ability to think and reason independently, maintain objectivity, remain calm and pleasant, and to exercise sound judgment.

·        Occasionally lifts and carries of objects up to 40 pounds may be required when setting up for classes or health fairs.

·        May be required to travel to additional MICA county WIC clinics as needed. 

o   Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.  License must be in good standing, as this position must be able to drive agency-owned vehicle.

o   Must have a reliable vehicle, as may need to travel on own to worksites as needed.  

Education & Experience

Required:    

·        High school diploma or equivalent

·        A current or former WIC participant (in any state)

·        Personal breastfeeding experience

Preferred:  Ability to read, write and speak other specified language

Other:

Candidates offered the position must meet the following criteria:

·        Successful completion of all background checks at hire and thereafter according to agency and program standards.

·        Must be approved by State WIC Program office

·        Staff who work in centers that serve infants will be required to have a Tdap immunization per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

·        Must have a pre-employment TB assessment and every year thereafter.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional information

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A current or former WIC participant (in any state)
• Personal breastfeeding experience

Preferred:  Ability to read, write and speak Spanish

Summary

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor 

Are you passionate about breastfeeding?  Do you enjoy sharing your personal breastfeeding experiences with other moms?  Then this may be the perfect job for you!  Join the WIC team as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and provide basic breastfeeding information, support and encouragement to new mothers.  Counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers by phone, email, text outside of usual clinic hours.  Educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.  You will provide services to WIC participants in seven counties in central Iowa.  Casual, on call position, averaging approximately 12 hours per week.