Breastfeeding Support Navigator

Virginia Department of Health; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Health in Danville is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to support WIC participants and the community with breastfeeding information and counseling.

Typical duties include providing encouragement and education, leading group and individual sessions, maintaining records, and participating in outreach. A valid Virginia driver's license is required; wage employees are governed by state policy and funded by the Federal WIC Grant.

Qualifications

• Basic lactation knowledge and breastfeeding practices.
• Able to instruct in group and individual settings.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Personal breastfeeding experience required.
• A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide breastfeeding encouragement, information, and counseling to prenatal and breastfeeding participants.
• Provides anticipatory education about the normal course of breastfeeding.
• Conducts support group meetings and assists the nutritionist with individual and other group sessions.
• Contacts participants at predetermined intervals per WIC policy to provide counsel, encouragement, and information to maintain lactation. Identifies problems or potential problems and refers as needed.
• Recruits participants to attend nutrition education classes.
• Maintains logs of patient contacts, completes monthly activity reports and other forms. Utilizes the Crossroads system.
• Plans community outreach events for WIC participants and creates a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Lactation knowledge

Breastfeeding practices

Communication skills

Group instruction

Interpersonal skills

Personal breastfeeding experience

Driver's license

Job description

The Virginia Department of Health in Danville is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to support WIC participants and the community with breastfeeding information and counseling.

Typical duties include providing encouragement and education, leading group and individual sessions, maintaining records, and participating in outreach. A valid Virginia driver's license is required; wage employees are governed by state policy and funded by the Federal WIC Grant.