WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Purpose of Position:

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

Essential Functions:

• Participate in breastfeeding training courses to become a peer counselor, with completion within 6 months of hire.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, email, text, and home, WIC or hospital visits
• 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
• Helps prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns
• Available outside usual 8 to 5 working hours to mothers who are having breastfeeding problems
• Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients
• Refers mothers, according to clinic- established protocols to:
  • WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator
  • Lactation consultant
  • Mother’s physician or nurse
  • Public health programs in the community
  • Social service agencies
• Attends, assists, and hosts with The Lactation Club and/or other breastfeeding support groups and events
• Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding trainings as appropriate
• Attend one-on-one meetings with IBCLC monthly
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned

Personal Traits:

• Has successfully breastfed at least one baby for at least 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) 
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience 
• Can work about 10 hours per week 
• Is willing to make phone calls from home and is available after clinic hours 
• Reflects the population served in age, ethnicity, education and language 
• Positive communication skills 
• Ideally a current or previous WIC participant 
• High school diploma preferred 

Required Knowledge:

All Norton Sound Health Corporation employees are expected to have general knowledge of typical office technologies such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and typical office software.

Job Specific knowledge is listed below:

• Experience breastfeeding their own child(ren)

Required Skills and Abilities:

All Norton Sound Health Corporation employees are expected to have a broad range of skills and abilities centered around a strong patient focus, efficient performance, and teamwork.   All employees should have patient/customer service skills, interpersonal skills and good communication skills.   All employees should have the ability to manage their time and organize their work to ensure efficient performance.   In addition, all employees should have the ability to follow policy, procedure and instructions, actively communicate with their supervisors to ensure understanding and manage their work accordingly.  Finally, all employees should have the ability to understand and manage patient/customer confidentiality.

Job specific skills and abilities are listed below: 

• Above average customer service skills

Minimum Requirements

Physical Requirements:

∙Use hands and arms to operate office or clinical equipment

∙Sit less than half the workday

∙Stand and/or walk less than half the workday

∙View electronic monitors for prolonged periods of time

∙Use hands and arm for repetitive motion tasks

∙Lift or carry unaided less than 25 pounds

∙See and hear with normal acuity

Working Conditions:

∙Work is conducted in a standard office environment or remotely from the employee’s home

∙Travel is required via large aircraft

∙Travel is required via small (less than 16 passenger) aircraft 

∙Travel is required using snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, or boat