BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELOR

FT/REGULAR

NE - LEVEL 2

GENERAL DEFINITION:  The purpose of this position is to be a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVIED:  Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant Nutrition/Breastfeeding Coordinator and receives assignments from the Nutrition/Breastfeeding Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  No Supervisory Duties.

DUTIES:

Promotes breastfeeding among peers and provides information

• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contact with all mothers assigned.
• Gives new mothers basic breastfeeding information and support, including educating them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns, specifically in the first and last trimesters for pregnant women.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, WIC office, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by WIC Program.
• Engages Loving support educational material on the benefits of breastfeeding to prenatal women in the first trimester.
• Share own experiences and provide help and advice based on current research and knowledge from experts to help develop confidence and skill to nurse successfully.
• Interacts with women in the last trimester by using loving support breastfeeding “How to Breastfeed Dyads” to prevent common breastfeeding problems and eliminate doubts about breastfeeding.
• Refers mothers, according to Zuni WIC clinic-established protocol, to WIC CPA, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.

Provides breastfeeding support and follow-up at the WIC Clinic, Client’s home, the hospital, and/or by phone throughout the first six months postpartum

• Supports women during normal breastfeeding experience.
• Provides support and education to breastfeeding mothers who may need help and/or advice on returning to work or school while breastfeeding.
• Performs assessment on breast pump needs and issues according to Zuni WIC Program guidelines and agreements.
• Makes visits to monitor infant weight gain after discharge from the hospital.
• Be available to WIC participants outside clinic hours and outside clinic environment to assist clients having breastfeeding challenges.
• Provide WIC Clients with a contact number for breastfeeding support 24 hours 7 days a week via Zuni WIC Program warm line text/calls.

Keeps records of all contacts and related inventory

• Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers on the WIC Program Management Information System.
• Maintains an inventory system of electric breast pump issuance and loaner agreements.

Performs other Duties as assigned.

• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Assist in the annual World Breastfeeding Celebration by Zuni WIC Program and others.
• Keeps all information confidential from the general public in accordance with The Privacy Act.
• Observes other peer counselors and breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books and material about breastfeeding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must have Breastfeeding skills. Knowledge in breastfeeding physiology and common challenges and interventions.  Ability to work independently, be resourceful and self-motivated, and function in a teamwork setting. Must be enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience. Able to document and keep accurate records. Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients and present accurate scientific outcome information. Knowledge of confidentiality and HIPPA regulations. Able to establish and maintain a good working relationship with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds, WIC staff and peers, tribal officials, representatives of funding and regulatory agencies, and the general public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: High School diploma with six (6) months of experience in medicine, social services, and health services. Must have experience breastfeeding at least one baby for six months or longer.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES: Must have a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and no DWI/DUI convictions within the past three (3) years. Must be insurable for liability purposes. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

1. Must complete Levels 1 and 2 of the FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum within the first six weeks of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc.  No special physical demands are required to perform the work.  Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: The position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. The position is Safety sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for the duration of employment. Must undergo a thorough background check including fingerprinting. Incumbents will work within the homes of clients. Some travel within the community will be required in varying climates. Must have a reliable method of contact and transportation.