Breastfeeding Support Counselor (WIC)

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Health in Roanoke is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) to promote breastfeeding among WIC participants and the community. This wage position supports the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts and operates within the BFPC scope of practice.

The role is funded for one year and limited to up to 1000 hours per year; wage employees do not receive state benefits, and immunization requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated working knowledge of basic human lactation and breastfeeding practices.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of basic breastfeeding management, manual expression and milk storage.
• Demonstrated skill in effective communication.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct in group and individual settings.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems related to breastfeeding and refer appropriately.
• Personal breastfeeding experience is required.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Current or former WIC participants are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide breastfeeding encouragement, information, and counsel to prenatal and breastfeeding participants.
• Offer anticipatory education about the normal course of breastfeeding.
• Conduct support group meetings and assist the nutritionist with sessions.
• Contact participants at predetermined intervals to provide counsel and support lactation.
• Recruit participants to attend nutrition education classes.
• Maintain logs of patient contacts and activity reports, using the Crossroads system.
• Plan and participate in community outreach events for WIC participants and promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Lactation knowledge

Breastfeeding management

Effective communication

Group/instruction delivery

Referral and problem identification

Personal breastfeeding experience

Driver's license

Job description

The Virginia Department of Health in Roanoke is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) to promote breastfeeding among WIC participants and the community. This wage position supports the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts and operates within the BFPC scope of practice.

The role is funded for one year and limited to up to 1000 hours per year; wage employees do not receive state benefits, and immunization requirements apply.