Bilingual Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Portuguese Speaking

Health Imperatives Inc•Plymouth, MA

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

Health Imperatives (HI) is a multi-service organization dedicated to reducing health and wealth disparities while advancing meaningful opportunities and economic security for people south of Boston. Their mission is to improve the health and well-being of low-income or vulnerable families and individuals in Southeastern Massachusetts. The communities they serve, including Brockton, New Bedford, Plymouth, the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, have some of the highest poverty rates and largest wealth gaps in Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, they have addressed the complex needs of people who are disadvantaged by poverty and discrimination and have fallen through the cracks of mainstream systems of care. HI is a safe and welcoming place for people from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and faith. They are dedicated to promoting and achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are committed to elevating the voices of the people they serve and those they employ to provide the highest quality care and to develop the most creative solutions to the challenges they face. They are committed to eliminating disparities and increasing access to meaningful opportunities for all, particularly those disproportionately impacted by systemic racism. They partner with their clients and other community-based organizations and stakeholders to provide coordinated, effective care and support. They serve a diverse mix of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, including youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, people with limited English proficiency, survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, people with substance use disorders, and youth and adults who are or have been incarcerated. They provide a wide array of trauma-informed health care, emergency services, and support. The position is for a Bilingual Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Portuguese Speaking, within the Cape Cod WIC program.

Requirements

Bilingual Portuguese speaking
Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding)
Enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience
Current or previous WIC participant
Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to assist new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems
Can work about 7 hours a week
Is willing to make and take phone calls from home
Has reliable transportation

Responsibilities

Completes breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
Carries a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine contacts with all mothers assigned.
Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding; helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols to WIC nutritionist or Breastfeeding Coordinator; lactation consultant; mother’s physician or nurse; health and social service programs.
Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding.
Assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties.