The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Possess a commitment to promote and support breastfeeding women and their families within the WIC program according to participant's language and cultural norms. Incumbent should exhibit good nurturing skills and project enthusiasm for assisting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers within a participant centered environment.
Make telephone calls and greet the WIC participant. Enters appropriate data into Electronic Medical Records System and maintains patient files, including making appropriate comments after contacts, making future appointment contacts, and referrals. Conduct follow-up calls to participants within WIC policy guidelines. Post Breastfeeding Peer Counseling materials at WIC site.
Utilize WIC screenings to perform the following duties: identify WIC and PC appointment dates and times, schedule/reschedule appointments, locate and find class and food instrument issuance (e.g. breastfeeding and/or formula package) information in patient records.
Participate in continuing education via attendance at required training sessions/workshops and reading/studying printed materials provided by the updated in established WIC Policies and Procedures.
Present information and promote the breastfeeding peer-counseling program to WIC participants during prenatal and postpartum classes, as well as during one-on-one telephone calls, and assist in the program enrollment process.
Meet with enrolled participants monthly, either in person or via telephone until 2 weeks prior to Estimated Delivery Date (EDD), to provide appropriate breastfeeding education, counseling, and support.
Meet with enrolled participants either in person or via telephone every 2 -3 days in the first week post-delivery, then weekly for the first month, to provide appropriate breastfeeding education, counseling, and support. Meet with participants weekly within 2 weeks of (EDD).
Meet with enrolled participants before returning to work/school, at least monthly from 2 - 6 months post-delivery, to provide appropriate breastfeeding education, counseling, and support.
Issue breast pumps when needed by Peer Counseling Program participants. Follow-up with participants, provide phone counseling regarding breastfeeding and pumps when needed.
Promote participant support groups based on participant interest and peer counselor availability. Read supporting materials, contacts interested participants, plans and coordinates support group meetings, and facilitates meeting with participants.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.
Knowledge of:
Health and community resources;
Customer service principles;
Recordkeeping principles;
Basic knowledge of breastfeeding techniques;
Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.
Skills and Abilities:
Must participate in WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training (25 hours) within 1 year of hire date;
Comply with established breastfeeding guidelines and literature;
Provide basic knowledge of common breastfeeding concerns;
Create flyers and other educational materials to promote breastfeeding;
Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.
High School Diploma or GED and is currently breastfeeding and/or has breastfed at least for one (1) years of experience: and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.AND
Proficient in Microsoft Office Word and STARS Software is preferred;
Bilingual English/Spanish is required.
Special Requirements:
Must attend WIC Skills Building Workshops (includes introduction to Breastfeeding) and must complete a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor course or equivalent training approved by ITCA Breastfeeding Coordinator within 6 months of hire;
Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License;
This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends;
Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card or be able to obtain the Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination from this position.
