Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Putnam County Hospital; Greencastle (IN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Putnam County Hospital in Indiana seeks a part-time WIC breastfeeding paraprofessional to provide education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding clients. You will promote breastfeeding as the norm in the clinic and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver community outreach and education.

You will maintain client confidentiality, document in INWIC MIS, and participate in staff meetings and off-site conferences as required. Prior paraprofessional experience with WIC is a plus.

Qualifications

• Paraprofessional without professional health/nutrition training; represent local population.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a fast paced clinic.
• Strong communication and confidentiality with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic breastfeeding education and support to WIC clients.
• Lead breastfeeding classes and promote breastfeeding as norm within the clinic.
• Document required information in INWIC MIS and collaborate with staff.
• Refer clients to WIC staff and healthcare providers as needed.
• Participate in in-service education, staff meetings, and conferences.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Flexibility

Professionalism

Education

Paraprofessional without health/nutrition training

Tools

Microsoft Office

INWIC MIS

Job description

Overall Job Summary: Responsible for providing basic breastfeeding education and support to all pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients.Job Responsibilities:• Display a positive reflection of the Indiana WIC program, both in the clinic and through community outreach activities, which may include local Farmers’ Market events and collaborations with healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and other community partners.• Develop working relationships with other staff and partnering community agencies.• Maintain a compassionate clinic environment that supports the needs of the community.• Support and promote breastfeeding as the normative infant feeding method within the clinic environment.• Provide all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients with evidence-based breastfeeding support and education, within the clinic role’s scope of practice.• Ensure confidentiality of applicant and client information in accordance with WIC federal regulation.• Follow all policies and procedures of the Indiana WIC program.• Counsel clients with basic breastfeeding education and support, including anticipatory guidance and addressing common barriers to breastfeeding.• Refer clients to appropriate WIC staff and healthcare providers as needed for further assessment.• Help clients prevent and handle common breastfeeding problems.• Lead and facilitate breastfeeding classes.• Document required information in the Indiana WIC Management Information System (INWIC MIS).• Participate in in-service education and staff meetings.• Attend off-site conferences and meetings as needed or required by the position.• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.Job Requirements:• A paraprofessional (does not have professional training in health,nutrition, or the clinical management of breastfeeding)• Is representative of the population served at the local agency.• Has breastfed at least one infant for at least six months within the lastfive years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding)• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to support other parents in their infant feeding journey• Ability to work independently.• Work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.• Flexibility during periods of Program change.• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.• Capacity to facilitate discussion to address the needs of individuals.• Demonstrate professionalism in a manner consistent with legal and ethicalstandards including WIC federal regulation.• Operate standard office and computer equipment.• Utilize Indiana WIC communication services to appropriately serve WIC clients.• Available to work part-time hours• Work completed in a fast-paced clinic setting. This may include interaction with the public, exposure to loud noises, and working in close proximity toothers.• Repetitive motion related to standard office work.• Occasional travel between clinics and to required statewide conferences.• May be required to communicate with clients outside of normal clinic hours in an environment that promotes client confidentiality.