Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a contracted part-time, variable hour paraprofessional (support person) who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Provider Credentials:

• A contemporary/cohort/equal to the woman to whom she will be providing information and support. This may include having the ability to speak another language such as Spanish.
• Has been or currently is a WIC participant.
• Has successfully breastfed an infant for 6 months or longer and is an advocate for breastfeeding.
• Has the ability to work independently at home; Has basic computer skills in the use of email and common Word documents.
• Has the ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors and other health department staff.
• Has reliable transportation; and Is readily accessible by phone.

Scope of Work:

• Complete all modules of the USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Training.
• The Peer Counselor Supervisor will document and maintain on file the successful completion of the modules.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with pregnant and breastfeeding women as observed by the Peer Counselor Supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Supervisor, local health department staff, clients, and other peer counselors, as appropriate.
• Receive an assigned caseload of pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers and maintains caseload number appropriate for population served.
• Contact the mothers per established protocol found in the WIC and Nutrition Manual.
• Provide counseling by telephone, home visit, clinic visit and/or hospital visit per the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor protocols and individual client's needs and is available outside of clinic hours.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and support such as; the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, establishing breastfeeding, etc.
• Assists clients in preventing and handling common breastfeeding problems and concerns.
• Maintain and protect client confidentiality.
• Document all contacts made with clients per the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor protocol in the WIC and Nutrition Manual.
• Operate within the Scope of Practice for a Breastfeeding peer Counselor.
• See Scope of Practice for WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in the WIC and Nutrition Manual.
• Refer identified breastfeeding problems or other health issues to appropriate health professional (e.g., IBCLC, CLC, LC, Registered Dietitian/Certified Nutritionist, nurse, etc) per Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Protocol.
• Other referrals may be provided per Breastfeeding Peer Counselor protocols.
• Terminate clients from the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program after three (3) documented unsuccessful attempts to contact, once the client is no longer breastfeeding or the client wishes not to participate in the program.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D