Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) is a diverse, community-focused nonprofit dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of families living with the everyday barriers of poverty.

What we are proud to offer you:

• Retirement Savings (IPERS and/or 403(b))
• Employee Assistance Program

POSITION GOAL

Under the supervision of the WIC Coordinator and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator, conducts all aspects of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program and process of assessing normal breastfeeding concerns and challenges associated with the WIC and Maternal Health Programs in full compliance with federal, state and local regulations to provide breastfeeding support services to target women in the community.  

SCHEDULE AND WAGE

 Varied schedule 10 - 12 hours per week; $16.18 to $17.63 per hour depending on education/experience.  

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Counseling pregnant and breastfeeding WIC and Maternal Health mothers at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC agency.
2. Making established periodic contacts with all assigned clients.
3. Providing basic breastfeeding information, support, and encouragement to new mothers including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. 
4. Educating mothers on how to prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns.
5. Referring mothers to the WIC Lactation Consultant and other lactation services in the community according to agency protocols.
6. Attending and assisting with prenatal breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups for WIC participants.  
7. Assisting WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer counseling program through special projects, outreach activities, and duties as assigned.  
8. Attend and participate in regular WIC staff meetings, state breastfeeding conferences, and programs that serve to enhance training and skills.
9. Work with the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to evaluate individual and program needs.  
10. Maintain accurate records of all contacts made with assigned mothers using the WIC electronic data system, and completing and submitting activity reports as required by the local WIC agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

A breastfeeding peer counselor must currently be a WIC participant or must have been a WIC participant in the past and must have successfully breastfed at least one baby for a minimum of four months. She must have a telephone and be willing to make contacts from home. Breastfeeding peer counselors must also be available outside the usual clinic operating hours to mothers who are breastfeeding.  

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

  The following experiences and skills are desirable:

1. Enthusiasm for breastfeeding and desires to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.
2. Good communication skills.
3. Basic computer skills.
4. Demographic similarities with the WIC participants served by the local agency such as age, ethnicity, and language.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1. Complete Child Abuse Reporter training within six (6) months of employment and update every three (3) years
2. Complete bloodborne pathogen training within ten (10) days of employment and update every year
3. Reliable Transportation
4. Completion of required breastfeeding peer counseling training
5. TB testing at hire