WIC Breastfeeding Peer Helper

The Harrison County WIC Office - a division of the Harrison County Health Department - is seeking an individual who can function as a Breastfeeding Peer Helper. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a rewarding environment, lending support and guidance to moms in our community. The ideal candidate has both modern office work experience and a passion for supporting and encouraging breastfeeding. Please include a short cover letter with your resume. The cover letter should provide more personal insight into your work experience as well as your breastfeeding experience.

Important Note (as mentioned below): Applicant must have Breastfed one infant for at least 6 months.

SUMMARY:

The Breastfeeding Peer Helper is responsible for providing information to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Makes referrals to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator following policy and procedures of both the Ohio Department of Health-WIC and Harrison County General Health Department. The Breastfeeding Peer Helper will also assist with the breastfeeding activities held by the WIC Department.

Tasks and Responsibilities of Breastfeeding Peer Helper

1. Ongoing contact with the pregnant, post-partum or breastfeeding participants at the clinics, on the telephone (in the clinic or at home as required and deemed necessary by the supervisor) or by mail. Interacts with participants 1:1 and/or in a group setting in the clinic.

2. Offers information to the participant concerning positioning and latch-on, how to tell if baby is getting enough, how to make milk, normal infant behavior, how to return to work or school, and how to wean.

3. Makes referrals to the Lactation Consultant or other appropriate health care professional when appropriate.

4. Completes documentation on all nursing mothers.

5. Assists with group classes, conducts breastfeeding support meetings and maintains bulletin board.

6. Completes and maintains inventory and issues breast pumps.

7. Serves as breastfeeding resource person to WIC staff.

8. Maintains equipment and supplies necessary for the job.

9. Assists with clinic and health fair displays (i.e., planning, preparation, assisting with display).

10. Performs related duties as required.

Personal Traits:

1. Reports to work on time. Is rarely absent or sick.

2. Strives to establish and maintain a good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all staff members.

3. Suggests ways to improve procedures, identify problems and plan their resolution. Is open to ideas and suggestions of others.

4. Demonstrates flexibility in working with continuously changing situations.

5. Demonstrates ability to prioritize competing tasks.

6. Conforms to HCHD dress code.

7. Is always tactful and courteous to the public; fields client’s concerns/problems.

8. Uses resources for non-English speaking participants appropriately and proficiently.

9. Attends staff meetings as often as possible.

10. Continuously protects private health information and the confidentiality of patient information by complying with HIPAA Privacy Notice/training which includes log-in security and password management for computer in-put.

Qualifications:

1. Education: High school graduate.

2. Training and experience in office machines, fax machine, and filing.

3. Computer literate (experience preferred).

4. Physical Demands: visual ability in checking for errors, ability to deal with the public.

tactfully and effectively.

5. Ability to lift 60 pounds.

6. Must have reliable transportation.

7. Must have Breastfed one infant for at least 6 months.

8. Must be enthusiastic about Breastfeeding.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups.
• Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to follow basic oral and written instructions.
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively.

Training of Successful Applicant:

The Breastfeeding Peer Helper will complete a minimum of 20 hours of State-approved training and obtain 6 hours of continuing education credits per year in the field of lactation. (This can be obtained by attending any WIC-sponsored Breastfeeding Peer training, by attending Ohio Lactation Consultant Association (O.L.C.A.) meetings or attending a different breastfeeding conference at her own expense).

Typical work hours are each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am until 4pm. Very occasional travel.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $15