Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

An employee in this class is primarily responsible for promoting breastfeeding and nutritional diets, as well as making clinic and home visits to educate and support eligible women, their infants, and families to address health concerns, conditions, and issues related to breastfeeding. The employee will collaborate with primary care physicians and providers regarding the client's plan of care and report on progress or concerns. An employee in this class will exercise independent judgment under guidance provided by the primary care physician, providers within the guidelines of established protocol, and North Carolina Board of Health regulations governing the responsibilities of County Health Departments. Participation in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Core Training and quarterly Breastfeeding Continuing Education Training is required. Starting pay is $15.95.

Examples of Job Duties

Recruits and enrolls breastfeeding mothers in the breastfeeding support program; Promotes and encourages breastfeeding through prenatal contacts to educate on the benefits of breastfeeding; Provides prenatal educational classes and one-on-one education; Makes home and clinic visits to provide nutritional information, education and support to breastfeeding mothers and addresses breastfeeding problems such as latching, infant weight loss and mastitis; Conducts infant weight checks and provides education about infant feeding; Consults with providers to support families who have infants with issues such as jaundice and failure to thrive. Acts as consult for providers and social workers on issues related to breastfeeding; Reviews patient medical record documentation to assess needs; Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of breastfeeding mothers and prenatal contacts; Works with community partners to coordinate and facilitate community breastfeeding events; Identifies family needs and makes referrals to community resources and services. Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments; May perform other incidental tasks, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of current best practices for breastfeeding and the benefits of breast milk with the ability to promote, encourage and educate pregnant women, of any age, on the program and its benefits; Extensive knowledge of normal and at-risk medical conditions associated with newborns, premature infants, and breastfeeding issues; Ability to teach and educate medical providers, groups, and individuals on breastfeeding; Ability to organize community events and promote best practices for breastfeeding; Ability to document patient care notes with accuracy and detail; Knowledge of psychological issues/problems, including signs of postpartum depression and ways to address/refer for appropriate services; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, medical professionals, clients, and outside agencies; Ability to assist post-partum mothers in the preparation of returning to work (i.e. finding caregivers, how to express and use a breast pump, how to store their breast milk); Ability to operate standard office machines (i.e. personal computer, scanner, copier, facsimile machine, and audiovisual equipment); Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Qualifications

Graduation from High School and a demonstrated possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities through at least one year of experience performing similar tasks in a medical setting. Must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License and reliable transportation. Must follow WIC hiring guidelines which include a personal experience with breastfeeding.