Nutrition Assistant (Breastfeeding Peer Counselor) – Mile Square Health Center

Hiring Department: MSHC Administration

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1031361

FTE: 0.5

Work Schedule: M-F: W/Manager Discuss

Shift: Flex Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type: On-Site

Posting Close Date: 03/26/2025

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $24.58 - 37.96 / Hourly Wage

About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

Position Summary:

UI Health is seeking a part-time Nutrition Assistant (Breastfeeding Peer Counselor) to join the Mile Square Health Center Administration department. The Nutrition Assistant functions as a healthcare advocate performing various patient care activities. The Nutrition Assistant also performs outreach and education in community settings. The Nutrition Assistant is responsible for providing education and social support as out lined in the specified program, within established parameters, and consults with supervisor as questions arise for Mile Square Health Center (MSHC) or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Office.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide educational information and outreach to community residents and assist them with making decisions about health lifestyles and healthcare needs.
• Schedule patient appointments via the I-WIC system or other system as indicated.
• Work with staff and community residents to assess their community for strengths, problems, and concerns relative to healthcare (i.e. conducting surveys).
• Identify and assist in establishing services needed within the community.
• Liaison between the institution or agency and the individuals served; refer patients to support services when needed.
• Manage initial call intake for MSHC WIC Office; schedule appointments and route calls and messages to appropriate individuals/departments for resolution.
• Respond to inquiries from clients in order to provide or clarify information on departmental services, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with other state WIC offices to ensure continuity of services; provide referrals and outreach to other appropriate community services and agencies.
• Draft letters and documents on behalf of patients (i.e. verification appointment letters) and the WIC Office.
• Advocate and promote breastfeeding education; provide basic breastfeeding assistance and information; refer patients to nutritionist if additional support is needed.
• Participate in cross-functional continuous quality improvement and corporate compliance teams; consult with related departments to coordinate seamless access to services.
• Manage Breastfeeding contacts and filing system for the WIC office; conduct inventory and order supplies; attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and other WIC functions on behalf of the WIC Office at MSHC.
• Informs women of the benefits of breastfeeding and helps them to overcome common barriers.
• Topics for education include the following:
• Reasons to breastfeed.
• Overcoming barriers to breastfeeding.
• Colostrum quantity and benefits.
• Normal course of breastfeeding.
• Positioning and latch.
• Skin-to-skin and its benefits.
• Maintaining adequate milk production.
• Preventing common problems.
• Anticipatory guidance for the early days home from the hospital.
• Resources for breastfeeding support.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have similar characteristics as WIC participants.
• Have 1 year breastfeeding experience and an enthusiasm for breastfeeding.
• Must have breastfed at least one baby (within the last 5 years).
• Have the ability to work with infants and children.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure as a representative of Mile Square Health Center.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization, including internal and external customers.
• Ability to document, develop and write reports clearly and accurately.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and task.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment.
• This role requires various types of physical exertion with the use of hands, legs, and fingers including, but not limited to lifting, pushing, pulling, prolonged standing/walking, climbing stairs, operating equipment/devices or moving light to moderate weight.
• Must be self-directed and innovative
  
  

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation