WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Caring Health Center, Inc.; Springfield, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Caring Health Center, Inc. is seeking a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at our Framingham location.

Responsibilities include counseling by phone or in person, leading breastfeeding classes, maintaining confidential records in the WIC system, and coordinating referrals to WIC experts and partners. Training and compliance with program standards are required.

Qualifications

• Customer service skills with diverse populations
• Strong communication and professional demeanor
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Responsibilities

• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts in the WIC computer system (EOS)
• Teaches breastfeeding classes and leads support groups
• Refers mothers to WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert, nutritionist, physician, or partners as appropriate
• Attends staff meetings and relevant trainings

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Professionalism

Training participation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

WIC EOS

Job description

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• Has breastfed at least one baby within the last 5 years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Current or previous WIC participant
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Has good customer service skills, relating to persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and communicating in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Able to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations.
• Attends a series of required in-person breastfeeding training sessions at the state WIC training center in Framingham, Nursing babies under 6 months are welcomed.
• Observes other Peer Counselors or breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
• Completes Safe Sleep Online Training Module.
• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a Peer Counselor.
• Signs and follows FNS Loving Support WIC Peer Counselor scope of practice annually.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person at the WIC office.
• Is available outside of the WIC office and outside of normal business hours.
• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers in the WIC computer system (Eos).
• Refers mothers appropriately to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), Local Program Breastfeeding Coordinator, WIC nutritionist, IBCLC, the mother’s physician, or community partners as appropriate.
• Teaches breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum mothers, and leads breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.

This position requires compliance with Caring Health Center’s compliance standards, including its Standards of Conduct, Compliance Program, and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Working Conditions:

1. This position may require the ability to work long and arduous hours.
2. This position requires the ability to use a computer workstation, viewing a CRT.

Starting Pay Rate: $20 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.