Job Description
TITLE: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
REPORTS TO: Director of Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) or Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor offers paraprofessional support and basic breastfeeding information to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers and other interested individuals as assigned.
RESPONSIBILTIES:
- Educates and counsels breastfeeding WIC clients by telephone, home visits, and/or in the WIC clinic on designated days or by appointment.
- Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned or referred.
- Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers or other interested individuals as appropriate, including benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, how to get a good start breastfeeding, and how to use breast pumps. Helps clients prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns or refers to lactation consultant as needed.
- Conducts home visits to breastfeeding mothers as needed.
- Respects each participant by keeping information strictly confidential and follows State and Local Agency policy on confidentiality.
- Maintains accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants and submits productivity data to supervisor as required.
- Refers clients to available resources including:
WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator
Lactation consultant
Physician or nurse
Public health programs in the community
Social service agencies
Registered dietitian
- Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
- Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned. Works with other peer counselors as directed by a supervisor.
EDUCATION:
- High School diploma or GED. Preferred completion of “Breastfeeding Basics” training from the State of Michigan.
EXPERIENCE:
- Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) successfully for six months or longer.
- Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience breastfeeding.
TRAINING:
- Completes a series of breastfeeding training classes, overseen by the Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator.
- Observes other peer counselors or lactation consultants providing breastfeeding support.
- Reviews current breastfeeding information and updates educational material as needed.
- Attends required Breastfeeding Peer Counselor trainings, meetings, and “Breastfeeding Basics” as assigned.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Interest in the health and care of infants and mothers.
- Must be sensitive to the mission of the Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan WIC.
- Works primarily indoors.
- Travel may be required to Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan offices and other WIC program sites with exposure to road hazards and temperature extremes.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 per week
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Breastfeeding: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
- Arabic (Preferred)
Work Location: In person