WIC - Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

CCI Health Services’ mission is to deliver high quality, accessible care to our community members, leading the way to a more equitable health care system for everyone.

TRAINING

• Attends breastfeeding training, monthly breastfeeding meetings, and clinic staff meetings.
• Observes other peer counselors or breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants, including telling participants about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Assists participants with preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in the clinic at designated scheduled intervals following the Loving Support Through Peer Counseling model
• Assists with planning and facilitating breastfeeding classes.
• Provides breastfeeding classes to other programs when needed.
• Serves as the clinic advocate for breastfeeding, as observed by the Manager.
• Issues breast pumps following agency protocols for mothers who are separated from their babies or who are experiencing breastfeeding problems, making appropriate referrals when more complex problems occur.
• Appropriately documents breast pumps and other breastfeeding aids upon issuance.
• Provides referrals, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
• WIC nutritionist
• Breastfeeding Services manager or Lactation Consultant
• Mothers Physician
• Programs in the community.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with the participants daily using the WOW system.
• Promotes a breastfeeding-friendly clinic by having bulletin boards with breastfeeding pictures and having breastfeeding materials available for participants.
• Respects each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential

OTHER FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• May be asked to assist participants in the hospitals.
• Available for travel for training or to fill in for other staff during work hours.
• Ability to work on-site is an essential duty for this position.

INFORMS PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE WIC PROGRAM

• Proactively offers participants information and materials about other community resources.
• Provides complete information on the certifying process.
• Provides correct information on Rights and Responsibilities, Program benefits, WIC foods and vendors, and the proper use of eWIC card.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

• Performs computer record file maintenance and updates in a timely manner.
• Accurately performs daily data entry and eWIC benefits issuance.
• Makes appointments and transfers according to established policies.
• Properly maintains computers, printers, and other office equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a High School Diploma or GED.
• MUST have at least one year of relevant work experience, preferably in a medical setting or an equivalent combination of training and experience to perform office routines and clerical support functions.
• Some customer service required.
• MUST have breastfed for at least 6 months.
• MUST have some previous experience with WIC as a staff or participant.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be fluent in English and Spanish.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to greet patients and visitors in person or over the phone, and to direct them accordingly.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of customer service and observance of corporation protocol in a hectic and sometimes hostile situation.
• Ability to read and write to update participant information/forms, accurately communicate phone messages, and respond to visitors and callers as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Proper and professional grooming is always expected.
• Prolonged periods of standing , bending or working at a desk on a computer.
• The ability to lift (up to 15lbs) is required.
• Work under stressful conditions within a controlled enclosed environment daily. The work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• ADA Category. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.
• OSHA Category 1. Clinical environment. Possibility of exposure to chemicals and infectious body fluids e.g., HPV, HIV, HEP C, HSV.