WIC Breastfeeding Specialist

Job Summary

A WIC Breastfeeding Specialist is an individual with special training and experience who assists WIC pregnant and lactating participants with more complex lactation problems that are outside the scope of practice of WIC breastfeeding peer counselors and other WIC staff. The WIC Breastfeeding Specialist is part of the WIC Breastfeeding Team whose role is to provide mid-level lactation services and operates within the policies and procedures of the Michigan WIC program and within the context of WIC’s role for breastfeeding support.

Essential Job Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assists WIC parent/infant dyads with more complex breastfeeding challenges within the level or scope of practice defined by State of Michigan WIC program policies. 20%
• Assesses, contributes towards the development of a care plan and counsels the WIC parent/infant dyad with more complex breastfeeding challenges. 5%
• Communicates care plan to the rest of the WIC breastfeeding team, as appropriate. 3%
• Acts on referrals from WIC breastfeeding peer counselors and other WIC staff regarding complex breastfeeding challenges beyond their scope of practice. 5%
• Refers the WIC parent/infant dyad to the agency’s IBCLC for breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of practice for this position. 2%
• Refers parents according to agency’s established protocols to the nutritionist/registered dietitian, parent’s/infant’s physician, or other community services. 2%
• Provides follow-up breastfeeding support to WIC participants. 15%
• May assume and serve as a senior breastfeeding peer counselor as needed to maintain the agency’s breastfeeding program, including, but not limited to: 35%
• Provides breastfeeding promotion, support, information, and anticipatory guidance to WIC clients by telephone, direct contact in the WIC clinic.
• Assists in interviewing prospective WIC breastfeeding peer counselors.
• Assists with training of WIC breastfeeding peer counselors.
• Mentors new WIC breastfeeding peer counselors through modeling client-centered counseling principles and job skills.
• Assists the Breastfeeding Coordinator in promoting the WIC breastfeeding peer counseling program and coordinating other lactation promotion activities in the community.
• Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with managing pump and breastfeeding supplies, including inventory and quality assurance activities.
• Issues pumps following agency protocols for parents who are separated from their babies or who are experiencing problems. 2%
• Maintains accurate documentation of contacts with clients. Routinely reports activities to the Breastfeeding Coordinator. 5%
• Maintains client confidentiality. 2%
• Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/training as appropriate. 2%
• Maintains lactation credentials and certifications and acquires ongoing continuing education as needed. 2%
  

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Marginal Job Duties

• Assists WIC staff when necessary, by answering phones or greeting clients or other duties as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Education: High school graduate or GED required.
• Qualifications: Current certification as a Lactation Counselor and Educator (LCE), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or other certification recognized by the Michigan WIC Program to provide mid-level or higher lactation services. Minimum one year of expertise in breastfeeding, counseling and management, through previous experience as a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor and through additional lactation training.
• Experience: Has breastfed at least one baby. Currently or previously enrolled in WIC.
• Skills: Good Communication and organizational skills. Able to work independently. Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other parents. reach their personal breastfeeding goals. The ability to identify and solve complex problems. Effective logic, reasoning and critical thinking skills. Effective writing and speaking skills. Active listening and motivational interviewing skills
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively with, and relate to, a diverse population in a professional and courteous manner. Flexible and able to function as a team member.
• Physical Effort: Must be able to sit, stand, and or walk for an entire workday. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, and or twist while holding up to 25 lbs. frequently.
• Hours of Work: Full or Part time, Monday through Friday. Flexible and varied. Some evening hours required.
• Travel: Minimal travel required on a regular basis. Reimbursement in accordance with GLBHC policy.
  
  

GLBHC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and or local laws.