WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Company Overview

Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. has been a cornerstone of the San Bernardino community for over 20 years, providing essential health and human services. Our mission is to promote general good health and welfare through culturally competent care in physical health, mental health improvement, substance abuse treatment, and prevention education.

Summary

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information, support and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. The PC will provide anticipatory guidance to help prevent and resolve common breastfeeding concerns and/or challenges the participants may have.

Responsibilities

1. Promotes breastfeeding as the normal first choice for infant feeding.

2. Builds a caseload of WIC participants consisting of pregnant and breastfeeding women within the assigned target population. The caseload range is based upon the number of hours assigned to the PC on a weekly basis. The PC will make efforts to maintain their caseload within this range, and will communicate challenges related to a low or high caseload with the BFPC Coordinator. The PC will not refuse any client into their caseload if they meet the requirements and guidelines of acceptance. If there is a concern regarding enrollment of a client, the PC will discuss this with the BFPC Coordinator immediately. Occasionally, the BPFC Coordinator may request the PC to enroll participants with special circumstances outside of the normal guidelines.

3. Makes routine contacts (according to contact guidelines) by phone call, text and in-person.

4. Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to assigned WIC BFPC participants, including educating them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Provide anticipatory education to reduce some common barriers.

5. Addresses specific concerns and identify challenges, not limited to breastfeeding, that are outside their scope of practice and make appropriate referral according to established policies when needed. Included referrals could include but are not limited to: WIC nutritionist, IBCLC, IBHS medical clinic, community partners, and social service agencies

6. Accurately document all contacts in the BFPC Database and WIC WISE.

7. All PCs, regardless of assigned target population, will facilitate prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups as assigned by the BFPC Coordinator and/or IBCLC.

8. Attends and participates in BFPC, WIC, IBHS meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops.

9. Read assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the BFPC Coordinator or IBCLC to meet and maintain required IBHS WIC breastfeeding competencies.

10. Assists WIC staff in promoting WIC services and breastfeeding through special projects and events.

11. Additional duties assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training within six months of hire.
• Has breastfed at least one baby successfully for a year (does not have to be current).
• Current or previous participate in the WIC program required.
• Outstanding customer service skills with one year minimum.
• Models positive behavior amongst staff and participants about breastfeeding.
• Adept interpersonal capability with people of all ages, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers.
• Complies with State WIC and IBHS policies on Confidentiality and personal information.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to communicate with other health professionals and exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all participants.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish speaking).
• Proficient in computer technology (Microsoft software, video conferencing, fax, email, and text).
• Able to type at least 30 words/min

If you are passionate about helping others achieve their wellness goals and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, we invite you to apply today to join our dedicated team at Inland Behavioral and Health Services.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $22.75 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 32 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $23