WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

King County; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

King County Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to support mothers in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. This half-time position (about 20 hours per week) is remote, with occasional in-person requirements as needed, and requires background in exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months.

You will provide evidence-based information, encouragement, and address barriers, while following the USDA Loving Support Model.

Qualifications

• Experience in breastfeeding support is required.
• Completion of the Loving Support Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training within one month of hire.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality and document contacts.

Responsibilities

• Promote breastfeeding among WIC participants.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to individuals or groups.
• Address concerns, establish rapport, and reference established resources.
• Counsel on lactation management issues per protocols.
• Refer clients for more intensive assistance when indicated.
• Maintain accurate records and chart notes of client contacts.

Skills

Breastfeeding counseling

Client communication

Cross-cultural communication

Record keeping

Referral coordination

Education

Loving Support Training Program

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a qualified Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to help WIC mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding by providing basic evidence-supported information, encouragement, support, and by addressing barriers to breastfeeding. Peer Counselors reinforce breastfeeding recommendations in a socially and culturally appropriate context, and promote breastfeeding as an important element in the health development of the mother and baby. The incumbent will work with clients individually or in a group setting, utilizing client-centered skills and following the USDA's Loving Support Model. Prior experience breastfeeding exclusively for a period of at least six months for at least one infant is required.

Background

Note: This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies that may occur over the next six months.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Schedule

This position is half-time, approximately 20 hours per week. The work associated with this position is performed by telecommuting. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. As needed, the position may be required to work outside of regular business hours which may include Saturday hours. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible. Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.

Non-Exempt

Remote

The primary location for this role is Remote.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

• Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding among WIC participants.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement, address concerns and establish rapport with assigned clients.
• Provide individual or group counseling for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved resources.
• Address issues clients are most concerned about, help clients explore their barriers and visualize how breastfeeding can work for them.
• Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding among WIC participants, and as an important element in the health development of mother and baby;
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement, utilizing client-centered skills and following the USDA's Loving Support Model;
• Establish rapport and address breastfeeding concerns with assigned clients;
• Provide individual or group counseling for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved resources;
• Refer clients for more intensive breastfeeding assistance when indicated, per established protocols and approved resources;
• Address issues clients are most concerned about;
• Help clients explore barriers to a successful breastfeeding experience;
• Assist clients in visualizing how breastfeeding can work for them;
• Maintain accurate records and chart notes of all client contacts;
• Follow agency procedures for making referrals and reporting child safety concerns.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous personal breastfeeding experience of at least one infant exclusively for a minimum of six months
• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding methods and management of common problems
• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling techniques
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality
• Ability to successfully demonstrate effective and professional cross-cultural communication skills in person and in writing
• Ability to adapt and adjust to needs of diverse clients
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to use computers and software programs necessary to the position
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Valid Washington State Driver's License
• Completion of the "Loving Support" Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Program within one month of hire
• Some licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.

Desired Qualifications

• Current or past participation in