WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.

This position is a Part-time  position and is based at the Union County Public Health Department  in Anna , Illinois . 

Qualifications: 

Education, Training and Experience:

1. 1. Possess a High school diploma or GED equivalent. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. 1. 1. Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
      2. Knowledge and capable of dealing with persons of diverse socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. 
      3. Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
      4. Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
      5. Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
      6. Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
      7. Self-motivated, acts independently, and initiates programmatic ideas.

Certifications and Other Requirements:

1. Required: Criminal background check; employer physical assessment; valid driver’s license & auto liability insurance
2. Recommended: CPR certification, First Aid, Hepatitis B Vaccine
3. Maintain home or message telephone.

Physical Requirements:

1. 1. Strength: Lift/carry up to 20 pounds on occasion and 10 pounds frequently.
   2. Movement:
      1. Routine: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.
      2. Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor.
      3. Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.
      4. Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level.
      5. Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.
      6. Drive an automobile.

Salary: $15.60 hourly

Position Summary:

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information in scope of their practice and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Job Duties:

1. 
   Works directly with clients (mother to mother) in obtaining information and follow-up visits as outlined in Agency and State WIC policy and procedure.
2. 
   Completes required client records and maintains security, accuracy and completeness of written records and electronic databases.
3. 
   Performs keyboard data entry of client information as required.
4. 
   Maintains WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor workbook; keeps organized, updated, and available at all times.
5. 
   Seeks input from Maternal & Child Health Program Manager & Director of Nursing when dealing with unusual situations or difficult clients.
6. 
   Documents and keeps all records of all contacts made with WIC mothers (clients) and uses only approved abbreviations as approved abbreviations, as listed in the Agency policy and procedures.
7. 
   Assists WIC Clinic staff as needed or as requested by the Maternal & Child Health Program Manager.
8. 
   Be familiar and complies with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
9. 
   Keeps all client information strictly confidential.
10. 
    Receives a caseload of WIC mothers (clients) and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers (clients) assigned.
11. 
    Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers (clients), including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
12. 
    Talks with WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (clients) by telephone, texting, and face to face visits in the clinic settings at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
13. 
    Is available outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:30 – 4:30 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. This is counted as work time.
14. Refers mothers (clients), according to clinic-established protocols, to:
    1. WIC CHP/RN and Maternal & Child Health Program Manager
    2. Lactation consultant (CLC)
    3. Mother’s physician or nurse

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

16. Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as determined by the Maternal & Child           

Health Program Manager.

17.  Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the Maternal & Child Health

Program Manager.

18. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as

assigned.

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled "