Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. Come work where the blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable living is at your disposal. The area offers a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming community that has a deep investment in the people who live here. The Crater Health District is mission-driven and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve: Petersburg, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, Emporia, Greensville, Sussex, and Surry. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in the Crater Health District! Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPCs) promote breastfeeding among WIC participants, health care workers, and the community. They attend breastfeeding trainings to grow their knowledge and skills. They operate within the BFPC scope of practice as defined in the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum. The BFPC participants on a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement WIC participant service plans. The BFPC may represent WIC on interdisciplinary workgroups, taskforces, or coalitions, as needed. Please note: this is a part time (wage) position.
Requirements
- Demonstrated working knowledge of basic breastfeeding management, manual expression of breast milk, and collection and storage of human milk
- Demonstrated skill in effective communication
- Demonstrated working knowledge of basic human lactation and breastfeeding practices
- Demonstrated ability to instruct in a group and individual setting
- Breastfed at least one baby for at least 6 months
Nice To Haves
- Current or former WIC participants preferred
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
Responsibilities
- Provides breastfeeding encouragement, information, and counsel to prenatal and breastfeeding participants.
- Provides anticipatory education about the normal course of breastfeeding.
- Conducts support group meetings and assists the nutritionist with individual and other group sessions.
- Contacts participants at predetermined intervals per WIC policy to provide counsel, encouragement, and information to maintain lactation. Is available to participants outside of usual clinic hours and the WIC clinic environment. Identifies problems or potential problems necessitating referral to the nutritionist, or WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE).
- Recruits participants to attend nutrition education classes by making clinic, telephone, and/or mail contacts.
- Maintains logs of patient contacts, completes monthly activity reports and other health department forms as required. Utilizes the Crossroads system.
- May plan and participate in community outreach events for WIC participants, particularly during Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Plans local agency breastfeeding promotion events. Creates and maintains a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
