WIC PEER COUNSELOR - Public Health

Tarrant County; Texas; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarrant County is offering a grant funded position focused on counseling and education for pregnant and breastfeeding women within the WIC program. The role collaborates with physicians, nutritionists and nurses to promote breastfeeding and monitor program performance under the Texas Department of Health contract.

The candidate must have a high school diploma, be able to breastfeed a child, participate in WIC, hold or obtain lactation educator certification within six months, and be ready to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year full-time clerical or customer service experience; 2 years preferred.
• Must have breastfed one child.
• Must participate or have participated in the WIC program.
• Current and valid driver license.
• Commitment of at least 1 year.
• Ability to work outside regular clinic hours and outside the WIC clinic.
• Have transportation and telephone availability.
• Complete lactation educator certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to keyboard and use word processing and spreadsheet software.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and educate pregnant and breastfeeding women to promote initiation and duration of breastfeeding.
• Confers with physicians, nutritionists and nurses regarding clients' health.
• Monitors WIC centers to ensure a conducive environment for breastfeeding.
• Documents breastfeeding assessments and counseling in medical records.
• Assesses breastfeeding problems and provides referrals as needed.
• Uses counseling techniques for diverse cultures and family situations.
• Monitors breastfeeding rates to meet program objectives in the contract with the Texas Department of Health.
• Maintains breast pumps and accessories inventory and instructs clients on use.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Clerical work

Medical record documentation

Keyboard & MS Office

Cross-cultural communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Lactation Educator Certification (within 6 months)

Job description

Summary

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides counseling and education to pregnant and breastfeeding women to encourage initiation and increased duration of breastfeeding
• Confers with physicians, nutritionists and nurses regarding the health of clients and their children
• Monitors WIC centers to ensure the environment is conducive to promotion of the breastfeeding program
• Documents breastfeeding assessment and counseling in medical records at WIC centers and hospitals
• Assesses breastfeeding problems and provides appropriate referrals
• Uses appropriate counseling techniques/protocols in responding to a variety of culture and family situations
• Monitors WIC breastfeeding rates to ensure they meet the performance/program objectives in the contract with the Texas Department of Health
• Completes lactation educator certification and participates in regular continuing education
• Maintains accurate inventory of breast pumps and accessories and, when appropriate, issues equipment to clients and provides instruction on use
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) full-time year of general clerical or customer service experience is required, two (2) years is preferred.
• Must have breastfed one child successfully.
• Must be participating or have participated in the WIC program.
• Current and valid driver license is required.
• Can give at least a one (1) year commitment.
• Ability to work outside of regular clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic.
• Have transportation and telephone availability.
• Complete lactation educator certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to keyboard and use word processing and spreadsheet software.

Physical Demands And Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to stoop, bend, pull and push. May have to lift heavy boxes or objects up to 50 lbs. May handle blood samples and specimens using OSHA guidelines.