Brestfeeding Peer Counselor, Spanish & Mam, Part-Time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BPC) offers basic breastfeeding information, encouragement and support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who attend the WIC program at NAHC. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor will also work collaboratively with other NAHC departments to provide comprehensive, on-going medical, dental and behavioral health care.

This position requires an understanding of the Central American community and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English, Spanish and Mam languages.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Receive a caseload of WIC participants and make routine periodic contacts with all WIC participants assigned during the prenatal, post-delivery and up to 6 months postpartum following the frequency intervals specified in the California WIC Program Manual (WIC 630-10).
2. Help pregnant woman prepare to breastfeed.
3. Talk to mothers about their thoughts and beliefs of breastfeeding.
4. Assist mothers to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
5. Explain to WIC participants the different ways to prevent common breastfeeding problems.
6. Refer mothers to the Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Health Care Provider (HCP) and other services as needed.
7. Help mothers primarily over the phone.
8. Respond as needed to messages left on the breastfeeding helpline 510-434-5310 and provided cell phone.
9. Conduct follow-up calls to all assigned breastfeeding moms following the frequency stipulated in the California WIC Peer Counselor Program Manual and working moms in the breast pump loan program.
10. Issue breast pumps as needed to Peer Counselor (PC) program moms.
11. Provide home and hospital visits to new mothers as needed during the perinatal period.
12. Interpret for other staff as needed.
13. Refer participants back to NAHC for perinatal, pediatrics and pediatric dentistry care.
14. Provide leadership for breastfeeding support group.
15. Attend annual State required trainings, breastfeeding conferences/ workshops as appropriate; including the Alameda County Breastfeeding Coalition meetings and activities.
16. Document all participant contacts in a timely manner, and according to WIC department policy and procedures.
17. Perform other related duties following standard office routine, practices and procedures or instructions.
18. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding information of all program participants.
19. Assist with other special duties and projects as assigned within the PC program scope.
20. Actively participate in required staff meetings, workshops, and trainings.
21. Member Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe member practices.
22. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows required protective protocols to ensure personal safety as well the safety of others.
23. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches.
24. Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards, when assigned.
25. HIPAA: Keep all protected health information (PHI) confidential and abide by HIPAA policies for the release and disclosure of any PHI. Will report unauthorized use of disclosure of PHI immediately, to supervisor or HIPAA security officer.
26. Work well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines.
27. At all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, subordinates, colleagues, clients and the community.
28. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must have successfully breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
3. Positive breastfeeding experience and desire to help other mothers with breastfeeding information.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Spanish and Mam, per organizational need.
5. Background or knowledge of cultural beliefs on breastfeeding (with the Central American population.)
6. Work flexible hours to address participant needs.
7. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize appropriately.
8. Ability to work well independently, as well as a part of a team.
9. Able to lift 35 lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Previous experience with computers and Windows software.
2. Previous experience with WIC.
3. Previous experience working in a community health setting.
4. Has completed the CA WIC Peer Counselor training.
5. Has fully breastfed at least one baby for at least twelve months.
6. Bachelor’s degree.

Benefits: Native American Health Center (NAHC) considers our employees to be our most valuable resource and offers an excellent benefit package: competitive salaries, personal time off (PTO) or sick/vacation leave program, and an employer contribution 403(b) retirement plan to full-time regular status employees. We also provide medical, vision, dental, flexible spending, group term and voluntary life insurance coverage for employees and their dependents—with a percentage of employee contribution for dependent medical premiums.
Note to Applicants: Please be advised a post job offer, pre-employment Physical, Immunizations, and TB test are required as a condition of employment. Additionally, you may be asked to get a Department of Justice Fingerprinting clearance as a contingency for an offer of employment. Criminal clearances are obtained to protect the welfare and safety of clients receiving services at NAHC.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin or other non-merit factors.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADEA (protecting individuals 40 years and older) and considers age a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADA and considers disability a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations. Furthermore, NAHC will make any practical, feasible, and reasonable arrangements to accommodate qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Salary : $23 - $27