Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - 10 HOURS - PART TIME - (FS)

Peer Counselors provide education, support and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding women, helping to ensure that they have a positive and successful breastfeeding experience. The Massachusetts Peer Counselor Program is funded through the USDA-WIC Peer Counseling annual grant. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors contact prenatal women upon enrollment in the WIC program or, at a minimum, by the start of their third trimester, to discuss each woman’s infant feeding decision. It is best practice for the Peer Counselor to contact each prenatal woman within 30 days of her enrollment into the WIC program and to set up an individual follow-up appointment to discuss her infant feeding decision. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a Peer Counselor.
• Signs and follows FNS Loving Support© WIC Peer Counselor scope of practice annually.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. She also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person at the WIC office.
• Is available outside the WIC office and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers in WIC computer system (Eos).
• Refers mothers appropriately to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), Local Program Breastfeeding Coordinator, WIC nutritionist, IBCLC, the mother’s physician, or community partners as appropriate.
• Teaches breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum mothers, and leads breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• Has the knowledge and able to counsel on breastfeeding.
• Has experience in breastfeeding within the past 5 years.
• Experience in counseling and communicating.
• Is a WIC participant or was in the past.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong ability to multi-task and manage projects and personnel.
• Responds promptly to customer needs.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Meets commitments and is punctual.
  • Is a subject matter expert and keeps knowledge current by attending required trainings and meetings.
  • Applies specialized knowledge and techniques to nutrition related health issues.
  • Knowledge of and respect for HIPAA regulations.
  • Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
  • Gives and welcomes feedback.
  • Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Highest degree of professionalism and ethics.
• Handles issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Takes initiative, follows through, and manages different tasks with quick turn-around time.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Prepares and presents statistical and other reports oral or written as required.
• Must read, write, and speak English.

Essential Skills and Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• High School Degree

Experience:

• Has the knowledge and able to counsel on breastfeeding.
• Has experience in breastfeeding within the past 5 years.
• Experience in counseling and communicating.
• Is a WIC participant or was in the past.