Peer Counselor Coordinator - Full Time; 2193-217-N

Peer Counselor Coordinator

For over 125 years, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has been providing quality social services to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, and currently offers 160-plus programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors, and those struggling with mental illness.

WIC Program offers eligible participants food benefits for healthy foods together with nutrition counseling, health education, farmer's market vouchers, breastfeeding support, referrals to health care providers, and social services. The program is dedicated to improving the pregnancy outcomes. The goal is to assist to reduce the number of low birth weight in infants, to encourage breastfeeding, to support the growth and the development of infants and children.

The Peer Counselor Coordinator is responsible for providing advanced breastfeeding expertise and direct care to breastfeeding dyads experiencing complex lactation challenges. This role serves as the program's Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), offering specialized clinical guidance for complex cases and supporting staff by accepting referrals from Peer Counselors and other WIC team members. The Peer Counselor Coordinator strengthens the WIC Breastfeeding Program through expert lactation care, management of complex breastfeeding situations, and facilitation of community breastfeeding initiatives, including Baby Caf support groups.

• Provide hands-on breastfeeding support, assessment, and education to pregnant and breastfeeding families, including complex lactation cases.
• Creates and maintains a welcoming, inclusive, and judgement-free environment for all participants.
• Identify lactation issues and make timely referrals to higher-level lactation or clinical care when needs exceed scope of practice.
• Accept and manage referrals for complex breastfeeding situations beyond the Peer Counselor scope.
• Facilitate community breastfeeding support programs, including Baby Caf sessions, by guiding group discussions and providing individualized lactation support.
• Ensure all community breastfeeding support programs, including Baby Caf sessions, are properly prepared by setting up the space, organizing educational materials, and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
• Observe feedings and provide hands-on assistance with participant consent.
• Assess the need for and issues breastfeeding aids (e.g., nipple shields, supplemental nursing systems, breast pumps) in accordance with WIC policy.
• Provide timely follow-up support and ensure continuity of care for all breastfeeding referrals.

• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all breastfeeding contacts, assessments, and referrals in the MIS.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Provisional New York State Peer Certification
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification preferred
• One year experience as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor under the supervision of a Lactation Coordinator or one year experience counseling breastfeeding women.
• 1 year of experience in counseling breastfeeding dyads
• Within the first year of hire, the PCC must attend a 40-hour lactation counseling course, if not an IBCLC or CLC, and other state-designated breastfeeding trainings.
• Bilingual preferred;
• Knowledgeable of challenges experienced by Breastfeeding Moms.
• Ability to travel through the five boroughs as needed.
• Ability to work extended hours as needed (early morning appointments, evenings and Saturdays).

Benefits

• Generous time off (Vacation/ Personal Days/ Sick Days/ Paid Holidays annually)
• Medical,
• Dental
• Vision
• Retirement Savings with Agency Match
• Transit
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Public Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer
• Training Series and other additional voluntary benefits.