PH Infant Care Counselor - #00003750

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
This is a paraprofessional position responsible for serving as a role model and support person for pregnant women and new mothers. 
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The Infant Care Counselor promotes the practice of breastfeeding as the ideal method of infant feeding.  The employee informs and educates women on the benefits of breastfeeding to pregnant women, and supports, assists, and counsels breastfeeding mothers.  The employee leads breastfeeding support groups and teaches the basics of breastfeeding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks
 
- Calls women to encourage initiation and increase duration of breastfeeding.
- Answers breastfeeding hotline calls to address questions or concerns about breastfeeding
- Performs breastfeeding weight checks to determine the success of breastfeeding.
- Individually counsels and assists mothers with basic lactation issues.
- Identifies situations that require referral to a breastfeeding specialist.
- Assists mothers at home as determined by departmental policy and standard protocol.
- Loans, tracks, and cleans pumps issued to breastfeeding mothers.
- Issues vitamin D supplements.
- Documents, records, and reports daily activities as required by the Infant Care Counselor Program Manual, Health Department Policy Manual, and WIC and Nutrition Policy and Procedure Manual.
- Successfully completes required breastfeeding training, attends agency and departmental meetings and staff development opportunities.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of breastfeeding and basic lactation management.
- Knowledge of WIC breastfeeding policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of social, economic, and cultural influences.
- Knowledge of community resources and other agency programs.
- Knowledge of manual, pedal, and electric breast pumps.
- Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in presenting information to clients and make referrals to breastfeeding specialists.
- Ability to observe, listen, and build interpersonal relationships and counsel clients with improper feeding techniques.
- Ability to operate weight and height equipment and read incremental measurements.
- Ability to read, write, and comprehend oral and written communication
- Ability to operate computer, phone, audio-visual equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience: 

High School Graduate with a valid N. C. Driver License before hired and completion of Breastfeeding Peer Counselor course approved by the state of North Carolina must be completed within 15 months of hire date.  Prior training or experience in breastfeeding required.

A computer skills assessment will be part of the interview process. 

*This position will work in the Greensboro and High Point clinic locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.  Must be a mother who is currently breastfeeding or has breastfeed.  Possess similar sociocultural background as the women they support.  Computer skills- proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and courteously with clients and co-workers and provide courteous and respectful customer service.

May Require Driving

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.


Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position.  Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.   

Salary : $35,170 - $40,446