WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Southern Seven Health Department; Anna (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Southern Seven Health Department is seeking a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to support breastfeeding mothers in Anna, Illinois. This part-time role involves direct client interactions, education on benefits, and basic data entry while maintaining confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, and effective written and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Education, Training and Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities include basic computer skills and office practices.
• Communication in written and verbal forms; ability to perform basic arithmetic.
• Self-motivated, acts independently, initiates programmatic ideas.

Responsibilities

• Works directly with clients (mother to mother) to obtain information and follow-up visits as outlined in policy.
• Completes required client records and maintains accuracy of written and electronic records.
• Performs keyboard data entry of client information as required.
• Maintains WIC Peer Counselor workbook and keeps it up to date and available.
• Seeks input from program management and nursing leadership for unusual situations or difficult clients.
• Keeps all client information confidential and adheres to HIPAA requirements.

Skills

Office basics

Diversity awareness

Telephone etiquette

Written instructions

Verbal/written communication

Arithmetic

Self-motivation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.

This position is a Part-time position and is based at the Union County Public Health Department in Anna, Illinois.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Possess a High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Knowledge and capable of dealing with persons of diverse socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
• Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Self-motivated, acts independently, and initiates programmatic ideas.

Certifications and Other Requirements

• Required: Criminal background check; employer physical assessment; valid driver’s license & auto liability insurance
• Recommended: CPR certification, First Aid, Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Maintain home or message telephone.

Physical Requirements

• Strength: Lift/carry up to 20 pounds on occasion and 10 pounds frequently.
• Movement: Routine: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor.
• Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.
• Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level.
• Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.
• Drive an automobile.

$15.60 hourly

Position Summary

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information in scope of their practice and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Job Duties

1. Works directly with clients (mother to mother) in obtaining information and follow-up visits as outlined in Agency and State WIC policy and procedure.
2. Completes required client records and maintains security, accuracy and completeness of written records and electronic databases.
3. Performs keyboard data entry of client information as required.
4. Maintains WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor workbook; keeps organized, updated, and available at all times.
5. Seeks input from Maternal & Child Health Program Manager & Director of Nursing when dealing with unusual situations or difficult clients.
6. Documents and keeps all records of all contacts made with WIC mothers (clients) and uses only approved abbreviations as approved abbreviations, as listed in the Agency policy and procedures.
7. Assists WIC Clinic staff as needed or as requested by the Maternal & Child Health Program Manager.
8. Be familiar and complies with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
9. Keeps all client information strictly confidential.
10. Receives a caseload of WIC mothers (clients) and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers (clients) assigned.
11. Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers (clients), including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
12. Talks with WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (clients) by telephone, texting, and face to face visits in the clinic settings at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
13. Is available outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:30 – 4:30 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. This is counted as work time.
14. Refers mothers (clients), according to clinic-established protocols, to:
    1. WIC CHP/RN and Maternal & Child Health Program Manager
    2. Lactation consultant (CLC)
    3. Mother’s physician or nurse
15. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups
16. Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as determined by the Maternal & Child Health Program Manager.
17. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the Maternal & Child Health Program Manager.
18. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"