Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Temporary

State of Oklahoma•Moore, OK

14d•Onsite

About The Position

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are a special group of women who are able to model good parenting skills, as well as breastfeeding skills. Their responsibilities will include being positive role models and positive representatives of WIC and the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program.

Requirements

Receiving or have received WIC services
Successfully breastfed at least one baby (do not currently have to be breastfeeding, however at least six months of breastfeeding experience is preferred)
Possesses good communication skills
Have access to a telephone and reliable transportation
Are enthusiastic about breastfeeding and have a desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience
OSDH WIC Service New Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training
An approved basic Breastfeeding Educator Course (completion required within one year of employment and refresher completed at least every three years)
Breast pump training
Scheduled Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in-services

Nice To Haves

It is recommended that Breastfeeding Peer Counselors attend the OSDH WIC Service WIC Breastfeeding Symposium.

Responsibilities

Support WIC mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience
Counsel new WIC mothers at certification
Promote breastfeeding to WIC participants
Address specific concerns of WIC expectant/breastfeeding mothers and correct misinformation
Share WIC-approved breastfeeding educational materials with participants
Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over the telephone and in person (one- on-one) at scheduled intervals
Follow up on WIC participants according to protocol
Be available to WIC participants outside usual clinic hours and outside the WIC clinic environment
Provide participants the phone number to the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline for additional breastfeeding support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants 24 hours per day/7 days a week
Provide support and information to WIC breastfeeding mothers who may need help and/or advice to continue breastfeeding while working or going to school
Assist with issuance of breast pumps and breast pump inventory (Must complete formal breast pump training prior to assisting with breast pump issuance)
Document appropriate counseling information, such as participant name, date, and time spent with participants in clinic records within 24 hours of contact
Complete and turn in Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Monthly Activity Report to the local Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Coordinator by the fifth day of the following month
Being Present in the office is an essential function of the position.