Breastfeeding Peer Counselor WIC - , OK, United States - Tulsa Health Department

Description

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Bilingual in Zomi-Burmese preferred

Examples of Duties

To enhance the continuity of WIC's current breastfeeding education and counseling efforts by assisting WIC moms to reach their breastfeeding goals.

• Support WIC mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience.
• Encourage and promote breastfeeding to WIC participants.
• Attend all clinic Breastfeeding classes to promote peer services, provide support, and education.
• Address specific concerns of WIC expectant/breastfeeding mothers and correct any misinformation.
• Share WIC-approved breastfeeding educational materials with participants.
• Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over the telephone and in person at scheduled intervals.
• Follow up on WIC participants according to protocol. Will refer to the _Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Manual_ for recommended contact frequency.
• Be available to WIC participants outside of normal clinic hours.
• Provide support and information to WIC breastfeeding mothers who may need help and/or advice to continue breastfeeding while working or attending school.
• Teaches use, cleaning, and assembly of breast pumps to WIC moms.
• Assists in maintaining breast pump inventory and communicating pump supply needs to clinic staff and/or supervisor. Document appropriate counseling information, such as participant name, date, and time spent with participants on Breastfeeding Peer Counseling logs in a timely manner.
• Complete and submit _Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Monthly Activity Report_ to the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling coordinator by the fifth day of the following month.
• Document all contacts with participants in clinic records according to policy; keep all participant files in a secure area, in a locked drawer.
• Attend all required meetings and in-services.
• Abide by clinic policy concerning participant confidentiality.
• Provide appropriate referrals when needed.
• Counselors may also be allowed to bring their nursing baby/babies to work per discretion of the local Administrative Director and in accordance with the current Infant at Work Policy.
• Complete required training in support of duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

_*MANDATORY TRAINING:*_

Counselors will receive all of the following training:

• WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Orientation
• Breastfeeding Educator Course (completion required within one year of employment, with refresher completed at least every three years)
• Breast pump training

Typical Qualifications

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Are receiving or have received WIC services.
• Have successfully breastfed at least one baby six months or longer.
• Possess good communication skills.
• Have access to a telephone (with texting ) and reliable transportation.
• Are enthusiastic about breastfeeding and a desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.

* *When essential, bilingual in Spanish/English or Burmese/English will be required or preferred.

_*Licenses:
*_ Valid Oklahoma Driver's License required

_*REFERRALS:*_

Counselors will make immediate referrals according to the individual local agency's established referral system when they encounter:

• Breastfeeding problems outside the normal breastfeeding experience.
• Breastfeeding problems not resolved within 24 hours of Counselor's intervention.
• Problems in an area other than breastfeeding.
• Issues beyond their scope of expertise.

_*INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:*_

• Internal contact with clerical and clinical staff to schedule breastfeeding peer services.
• External contact with OSDH Peer Counselor Program staff, clients, and community partners to facilitate work of Peer Counselor Program.

_*PHYSICAL EFFORT:*_

Reach filing shelves at a height of approximately seven feet; regular physical effort required to stand for extended periods of time; and lifting boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.

_*SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/


ACCOUNTABILITY:
*_

Direct Supervision – None.

Indirect Supervision – None.

Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned computer hardware and software equipment

Reports to- WIC Supervisor

_*WORKING CONDITIONS:*_

Potential exposure to communicable diseases and a noisy and crowded work environment, which may lead to stressful conditions.

_*SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:*_

• Must maintain TCCHD records confidentiality unless officially authorized to release a record.
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel.
• Flexibility to work extended daytime and evening hours, as necessary.

_*FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt*_


Job Type:
Full-time


Pay:
From $35,370.20 per year


Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location:
In person