Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Overview
The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) provides specific breastfeeding support and educational services in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program. The BFPC is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women to increase the rates of exclusive and sustained breastfeeding among WIC participants. The BFPC must have excellent communication skills and work as a multifunctional team member.

Essential Functions:

Under direct supervision, the BFPC performs the following essential functions within the framework of Winnebago County Health Department’s (WCHD) provision of the core functions and essential services of public health:

• Promotes breastfeeding and acts as an advocate in the WIC clinic.

• Participates in peer counselor conference calls, the peer counselor network, conferences/workshops and task force meetings/events as appropriate.

• Presents information on breastfeeding, peer counseling or other topics as determined by the BFPC Supervisor.

• Incorporates ethical standards of practice in all interactions with individuals, organizations and communities.

• Contributes to a work environment where continuous quality improvements in service and professional practice are pursued.

• Works as a multifunctional team member to respond to clients’ needs efficiently.

• Promotes and supports the WIC and agency philosophy for achieving breastfeeding success.

• Provides anticipatory guidance to help women prepare for their hospital experience and the first few days, weeks and months of breastfeeding.

• Encourages all women to exclusively initiate breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding for at least one year and as long thereafter as both mom and baby desire.

• Talks with women individually or in groups about breastfeeding and answer basic questions about breastfeeding.

• The BFPC works within the scope of practice of a peer counselor and within agency guidelines to counsel and support WIC pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum mothers per policy.

• Establishes relationships and follows up with WIC pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women.

• Documents all contacts/conversations with participants.

• Utilizes appropriate communication methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.

• Adheres to ethical principles and the WCHD policies in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.

Knowledge, Skills, Education & Experience required:

• High School diploma or GED is required.

• Previous/current WIC participation or other women from the community with breastfeeding experience and an enthusiasm for breastfeeding.

• Must have breastfed at least one baby within the last 5 years, but does not need to currently be breastfeeding.

• Must be flexible with time and location to provide breastfeeding support to WIC participants (outside the WIC clinic environment).

• Successful completion of WIC BFPC training plan within 90 days of hire.

• Successful completion of Tier 1 new staff trainings within 60 days of hire.

• Valid driver’s license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work within a diverse and changing environment.

• Utilizes trauma-informed care in order to be a support to Winnebago County Health Department staff and clients.

• Knowledge of best practices in trauma-informed organizations and trauma-informed care.

Other:

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment/post offer drug screen.

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment/post offer background check, which may include; criminal and civil claims, credit report, finger printing, etc.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, current certificate of vehicle insurance, and access to reliable transportation is required.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job the employee works in a typical office environment. The employee is exposed to noise from close working conditions and significant work pace/pressures.

Commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all.

Employees are empowered to do their work to the best of their ability as well as receive organizational support to help prevent and address secondary trauma.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.74 - $18.74 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 35 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Applicant should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza otherwise will be required to wear a mask and submit a medical or religious exemption.

Ability to Commute:

• Rockford, IL 61103 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rockford, IL 61103: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19