About this role
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.
This position is a Part-time position and is based at the Union County Public Health Department in Anna, Illinois.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
•
• Possess a High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•
•
• Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures including basic computer skills.
• Knowledge and capable of dealing with persons of diverse socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
• Ability to carry out detailed but basic oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Self-motivated, acts independently, and initiates programmatic ideas.
Certifications and Other Requirements:
• Required: Criminal background check; employer physical assessment; valid driver’s license & auto liability insurance
• Recommended: CPR certification, First Aid, Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Maintain home or message telephone.
Physical Requirements:
•
• Strength: Lift/carry up to 20 pounds on occasion and 10 pounds frequently.
• Movement:
• Routine: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor.
• Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.
• Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level.
• Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.
• Drive an automobile.
Salary: $15.60 hourly
Position Summary:
A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information in scope of their practice and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Job Duties:
• Works directly with clients (mother to mother) in obtaining information and follow-up visits as outlined in Agency and State WIC policy and procedure.
• Completes required client records and maintains security, accuracy and completeness of written records and electronic databases.
• Performs keyboard data entry of client information as required.
• Maintains WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor workbook; keeps organized, updated, and available at all times.
• Seeks input from Maternal & Child Health Program Manager & Director of Nursing when dealing with unusual situations or difficult clients.
• Documents and keeps all records of all contacts made with WIC mothers (clients) and uses only approved abbreviations as approved abbreviations, as listed in the Agency policy and procedures.
• Assists WIC Clinic staff as needed or as requested by the Maternal & Child Health Program Manager.
• Be familiar and complies with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Keeps all client information strictly confidential.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers (clients) and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers (clients) assigned.
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers (clients), including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Talks with WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (clients) by telephone, texting, and face to face visits in the clinic settings at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
• Is available outside the WIC Clinic and the usual 8:30 – 4:30 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. This is counted as work time.
• Refers mothers (clients), according to clinic-established protocols, to:
• WIC CHP/RN and Maternal & Child Health Program Manager
• Lactation consultant (CLC)
• Mother’s physician or nurse
15. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups
16. Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as determined by the Maternal & Child
Health Program Manager.
17. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the Maternal & Child Health
Program Manager.
18. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as
assigned.
"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled" $15.60 hourly