PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor, utilizing curriculum provided from Nebraska WIC.  

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

• 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 problems. 

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program. 

• May counsel women in the WIC clinic. 

• Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8:00am to 5:00pm working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. 

• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential. 

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

• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to: 

• WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator 

• Lactation consultant 

• Mother’s physician or nurse 

• Public health programs in the community 

• Social service agencies 

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

• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate. 

• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor. 

• Coordinates breastfeeding promotion activities in WIC and in the community. 

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

Interpersonal Relationships  

• Maintain a positive respectful demeanor in all contacts with clients, visitors and staff. 

• Utilize supervision to gain guidance in handling difficult client situations and establishing priorities for the job. 

• Work to build positive productive relationships with other staff.     

• Demonstrates ability to work independently     

Cultural Sensitivity 

• Embraces and displays sensitivity relative to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the agency’s service population.  

Mission and Core Values 

• Completes work assignments/expectations within the agency’s mission of “Helping Families Thrive” and embodies the agency’s core values by being family-focused, adaptable, passionate, collaborative, accountable, and preventative. 

Performs other duties as assigned.