BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

SALARY: $13.65 per hour

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the WIC Director or designee. Directly responsible for providing breastfeeding promotion and support activities including individual and telephone counseling, teaching breastfeeding classes, and adherence to breast pump program policies and procedures. Successful job performance dependent on understanding of breastfeeding information and State and Local breastfeeding policies and procedures. Working in conjunction with WIC Clinic staff, community, and other health care providers such as hospitals, community health care centers, physician's offices, and the general public. Travel 5% to 50% depending on clinic assignment, overnight less than 5%.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 
  Employee will accurately document all time worked.
• Report directly to WIC Clinic Supervisor or designee.
• SMILE, greet clients, and assist as needed.
• Adhere to Cameron County, Department of State Health Services (State) and Cameron County Cameron County Public Health and WIC Program (Local) policies and
• Will be trained with State Agency designated PC training materials prior to working with participants.
• Coordinate BF activities with Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Will have good customer service skills, relating to persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and will communicate in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner. Practice professional etiquette (reporting to work on time, returning phone calls promptly, etc.).
• Keep abreast of current trends and changes affecting breastfeeding, including information presented at staff meetings, through in-services and BF trainings, or by reading assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
• Gives basic education and support within the defined scope of practice to all pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum mothers on a one-to-one basis to help them avoid/overcome common breastfeeding concerns/barriers.
• Support women during a normal breastfeeding experience. Identify breastfeeding experiences that are not the norm and make an immediate, appropriate referral.
• Refers mothers, according to Local Agency established protocol, when a participant has an issue or question that is out of BFPC scope of practice; breastfeeding problems are not resolved within 24 hours of the Peer Counselor's intervention; or problems exist in an area other than breastfeeding.
• Address specific concerns of expectant and breastfeeding mothers. Correct misinformation, which may prevent women from breastfeeding.
• Provide support and information to breastfeeding mothers who may need help and/or advise them to continue breastfeeding while working or going to school.
• Teach classes (or assist in teaching classes) on breastfeeding topics in accordance with the BF promotion plan.
• Counsel over the telephone. Follow-up as necessary.
• Communicate with all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women who receive services through the WIC program via in person, telephone, etc.
• Counsel new mothers in the hospital as assigned (when contracts are in place).
• Perform home visits as necessary and when approved by WIC Director, Supervisor and/or designee.
• Distribute and share breastfeeding information to promote breastfeeding in the clinic waiting area.
• Assist clients in the waiting area to inform them of their duties as BFPCs.
• Prepare breastfeeding motivational or informational bulletin boards in the clinic.
• Teach assembly, use, and sanitation of breast pumps and human milk expression and storage guidelines.
• Clean, maintain, inventory, store and troubleshoot breast pumps according to state and local policies and procedures.
• Document all contacts with WIC participants and complete monthly activity logs on appropriate forms.
• Accountable for breastfeeding materials/inventory.
• Responsible for networking with other health professionals to promote and support breastfeeding in the community.
• Replace and/or assist other Breastfeeding Peer Counselors as necessary.
• Attends monthly staff and BFPC meetings and Breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Have basic WIC Certification knowledge and comprehension.
• Must travel and work in other clinic sites as deemed necessary (and out of county travel for trainings).
• Participate in community and County health fairs.
• Travel Cameron County as deemed necessary with prior approval.
• Provide WIC services in a professional and courteous manner and practices professional etiquette and respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Must maintain current Department of State Health Services Immunization Guidelines.
• Have no vested financial interest in WIC.
• May provide additional clinic support as needed and as qualified to do.
• Other duties as assigned.

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from High School or the equivalent. When recruiting a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, the Local Agency shall choose applicants who: a) are from the target population (familiar with breastfeeding) and can be trained to be a paraprofessional b) have successfully breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby c) are enthusiastic about breastfeeding and have a desire to share that enthusiasm.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Must be able to read and write in English. Must be able to communicate with the public. Must have the ability to document and keep accurate records.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be available to work outside of regular clinic hours and outside of the usual WIC clinic setting (i.e. performing home visits and working the Saturday BF Helpline). Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS:

EXTERNAL CONTACTS:

Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies, and outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS:

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Comply with Cameron County, Cameron County Public Health and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY:

Judgment is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Immediate Supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE:

As assigned by Immediate Supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their Immediate Supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION:

Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, or community center.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER