WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor/PT/15 hours per week/Meriden office

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General Description

A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who has personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to provide basic breastfeeding information and support to other mothers with whom they share various characteristics, such as language, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This position reinforces breastfeeding recommendations in a socially and culturally appropriate context, and promotes breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the mother and baby.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the WIC Coordinator.

Examples of Duties

• Attends breastfeeding trainings and classes, as well as internal WIC. Participates in continuing education opportunities.
• 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 communicating the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, how to handle common concerns and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in person, telephone or text messaging.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made in the CT-WIC MIS system.
• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to other WIC staff, the client's healthcare provider, public health programs, social service agencies, or outside lactation services as needed.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding in the community through special projects and duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be enthusiastic about breastfeeding and helping mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain thorough and accurate program records.
• Knowledge of the use of personal computers and smart phones.
• Ability to gain awareness of Federal and State WIC policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, co-workers and external health and social service agencies.
• Must be able to work independently and with others in the WIC office.

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a High School graduate (High School diploma) or the equivalent.
• Must successfully complete USDA breastfeeding curriculum (after hired as part of the training process).
• Must be a WIC client or past client who has breastfed at least one child for six months.

Special Requirements

• This person must be a current or past WIC recipient and have breastfed for at least six months.
• Fluency in Spanish/English is preferred

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

None

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by Hospital.

Special Requirements:

N/A

Physical Requirements:

Extended sitting, together with occasional bending, reaching and stooping.

Work Environment:

Normal office conditions with adequate lighting and ventilation. Includes customer contact and telephone use. Exposure to client elements.

Cognitive Requirements:

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Good interpersonal skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.