Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PC) and Health Professional Assistant (HPA)

Job Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Health Professional Assistant

Full Job Description (PDF)

The Health Department seeks candidates for the position of full-time WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor/Health Professional Assistant within the WIC Clinic Team. This is a paraprofessional position that works in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) providing peer breastfeeding education and support and assists in collecting and entering data needed for the certification process in the Missouri WIC Information Network System (MOWINS).

Schedule: Monday – Thursday 7:15am – 5:15pm

PC Duties include:

• Provides breastfeeding education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers via clinic visits, texting, telephone, classes/support group meetings and social media.
• Facilitates/teaches breastfeeding support groups/prenatal infant feeding classes.
• Provides breastfeeding assessments and assistance in the WIC clinic.
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers. Works with WIC staff to coordinate breastfeeding services for participants.
• Documents breastfeeding contacts in participants WIC record in MOWINS system.
• Refers participants appropriately according to clinic protocols, to the: WIC registered dietitian, lactation consultant, participant’s physician, public health programs, social service agencies.
• Collaborates with local hospitals, physicians, employers, and community partners to coordinate breastfeeding help and support for participants.
• Issues breast pumps to participants. Follows clinic protocol to properly demonstrate pumps to participants and documents appropriately in MOWINS system.
• Attends the Cole County Breastfeeding Coalition meetings. Assists with World Breastfeeding Week events.
• Assists with outreach activities and events.
• Answers after hour’s breastfeeding helpline.
• Maintains social media accounts; posts breastfeeding related information.

HPA Duties include:

• Greets WIC participants with a positive attitude, providing excellent customer service and resolving service issues as needed.
• Reviews and documents eligibility requirements for proof of income, residency and/or identity and enters them into MOWINS (WIC system).
• Obtains certification data from participants: height/length, and weight measurements, hemoglobin values, health and medical history. Data is entered into WIC system - MOWINS.
• Informs participants about the benefits and services of the WIC program, refers participants to appropriate social, health and/or nutrition services.
• Schedules participants accurately to insure benefits are not missed by the client.
• Answers WIC phone and triages calls; determines what client needs and refers to professional staff when appropriate.
• Issues food benefits onto an electronic WIC card in accordance with State policy and instructs participants on shopping and redemption procedures.
• Participates in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in staff in-services and/or training sessions related to WIC policies/procedural changes
• Maintains strict confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations
• Proficiently utilizes computer software programs (i.e., MOWINS, MOHSAIC, ShowMeVax, WIC Direct) to accurately enter WIC specific data, checking Medicaid status and immunization status.
• Utilizes the WIC Direct system and state help desk to troubleshoot participant complaints or issues with the eWIC card.
• Explains to the participant the importance of keeping their electronic WIC card safe, keeping their scheduled appointments, and their rights and responsibilities which includes but is not limited to avoiding dual participation and fraud.

Position Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous/current personal breastfeeding experience required.
• Previous/current WIC participant preferred.

Cole County Commission offers a compensation package that includes pay based on qualifications, weekday hours, 12 paid holidays, 2.5 weeks paid vacation, 3 weeks paid sick leave, employer paid retirement/pension plan, paid health, dental, life insurance, & more.

Application Instructions:

Resumes can be submitted to: Melinda Ridenhour, Cole County Health Department, 3400 W. Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 6509 or emailed to mridenhour@colecounty.org.

Benefits:

• Missouri Local Government Employee Retirement System – LAGERS
• CERF Retirement
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Healthcare insurance with HSA option
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid Holiday leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vision insurance

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Health Professional Assistant Job Description (.pdf)