Maternal Child Health Clerk/Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Summary:

As a Maternal Child Health Clerk/Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, you will be integral in providing administrative support and exceptional customer service within our agency. Your role involves intake processes, data entry, and ensuring accurate record-keeping. With core skills in clerical tasks and computer literacy, you will handle multi-line phone systems and assist clients with inquiries. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides specific breastfeeding support and educational services in the WIC Program.

Normal Work Hours: 8:00 - 4:00 five days a week with the possibility of weekend and after-hours work due to training, appointments with clients, or emergency preparedness events.

Necessities:

• Must keep the identity and health information of all clients confidential at all times.
• Must maintain valid driver's license, registration, and vehicle insurance and be able to drive his/her vehicle for any work assignments.
• Must follow DCFS mandated reporting requirements.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint and background check.
• Must speak fluent English.

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Must be able to bend and stoop repetitively.
• Must be able to be on one's feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to work at a computer station for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift required equipment which is normally 20-40 pounds.
• Must be mobile enough to fulfill the job requirements which include the ability to get in and out of the vehicle, traverse rough terrains, and enter spaces that may be totally handicapped and inaccessible.

Environmental Factors:

• Must be able to work in confined spaces as needed.
• Must be able to work in conditions of extreme cold or heat as needed.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities):

• Promoting breastfeeding and acting as an advocate in the clinic and the community.
• Talking with women individually or in groups about breastfeeding and answering basic questions about breastfeeding.
• Providing anticipatory guidance to help women prepare for their hospital experience and the first few days, weeks, and months of breastfeeding.
• Providing information on the effect of foods, medications, and home remedies on lactation within her scope of practice and Department policy and local agency procedure.
• Documenting all contacts/conversations with participants.
• Referring participants to the appropriate staff as indicated by local agency procedure.
• Establishing relationships with WIC pregnant women and follows- up with them throughout their pregnancy and post-partum.
• Establishing relationships and follow-ups with WIC breastfeeding moms, based on the schedule, for the duration of breastfeeding.

• Conduct introductory and follow-up visits (5-15 minutes) with clients/families.
• Provide accurate information on breastfeeding.
• Completes intake processes with clients including verification and documentation of eligibility criteria for programs and insurance
• Schedules appointments for certification, follow-up, and nutrition education
• Educates participants about the WIC program, including how to use an EBT card, certification periods, and program requirements and expectations
• Answers phones appropriately, and timely and provides necessary information and/or obtains necessary information. Returns call in an appropriate manner and check voicemail throughout the day
• Serves as backup to Public Health Clerk and Receptionist
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in a fast-paced office environment or support role is preferred.
• Must have breastfed at least one baby (within the last 5 years) but does not need to currently be breastfeeding.
• Is a peer who is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience