Breast Feeding Peer Counselor-Wic

Job Title:

BREAST FEEDING PEER COUNSELOR-WIC

Employer:

City of Laguna Beach

The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The role includes patient outreach, advocacy, education, and follow‑up, performed under general supervision and evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

• Interview prospective client/family to obtain necessary information in conjunction with nursing staff and WIC staff.
• Provide consultation, education and emotional support to a caseload of prenatal and breastfeeding women and their families.
• Assist women and babies in learning techniques of breastfeeding, including positioning and anticipatory guidance to reduce health problems.
• Discuss appropriateness of using breastfeeding aids (electric and manual breast pumps, etc.).
• Assist in identifying needs, providing information, and obtaining ancillary services in conjunction with nursing staff.
• Assist nursing staff with providing follow‑up on delinquent patients or those in need of additional services by phone, letter or home visit.
• Assist with identifying possible barriers to care.
• Attend staff meetings, continuing education workshops and in‑services.
• Establish and maintain regular contact with prenatal and breastfeeding women by phone calls, clinic appointments, home visits, hospital visits, group discussions, or other methods as determined by the agency service delivery model.
• Provide support and information to women enrolled who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed to help prevent, correct and/or manage common problems and increase incidence of exclusive and extended breastfeeding.
• Represent the program by phone, appointments, visits, group discussions, or other methods as determined by the agency service delivery model.
• Issue breastfeeding supplies to participants in conjunction with the delivery of services, trained in assembly, use, and cleaning of supplies and only in consultation with the designated lactation professional.
• Assist in conducting monthly breastfeeding class/support group.
• Complete and maintain documentation within the Crossroads Breastfeeding Care Plan: daily logs of client contacts; all breastfeeding education activities; referrals made; monthly contact logs; manage and upkeep of breastfeeding pumps and supplies.
• Maintain all record‑keeping for applicants and participants within the Crossroads Electronic System.
• Perform related duties as assigned, including preparedness activities/directives as assigned by Supervisor or Director of Nursing.

• Thorough knowledge of the relevant departmental organization and functions.
• Thorough knowledge of state and county laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and policies related to work performed.
• Proficient in correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling for written materials.
• Working knowledge of applicable supportive mechanical acts and personal hygiene; basic knowledge of social, economic, and environmental conditions of patients.
• Ability to answer questions independently and resolve problems.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize workflow and coordinate activities.
• Ability to research, interpret, and analyze data.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, officials, attorneys, and coworkers.

High school diploma or GED and one year of experience preferably in a health care or human services setting.

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Non‑Exempt.

This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required to perform the job. Bladen County reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties associated with this classification.

BLADEN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. This position does not provide benefits.

This position requires the ability to work during natural disaster events such as hurricanes or snow storms. Are you willing to accept these working conditions?

Do you have a valid North Carolina driver’s license? (Required)