Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

State of Florida•Lehigh Acres, FL

9d•$17

About The Position

This is a part-time Other Personnel Service (OPS) Family Support Worker position working with the Department of Health in Lee County. The person in this position will have authorized "need to know" access to confidential WIC client records and the WIC database. This position may serve clients that speak only Spanish, Creole, or other languages. It may require performance of interpreter duties, if bi-lingual, or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan. This position with the Department of Health in Lee County’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides basic breastfeeding education to WIC participants in various locations throughout Lee County. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are paraprofessionals, who are recruited and hired from WIC’s target population, are available to WIC clients outside usual clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic environment, and have had previous experience with breastfeeding, having successfully breastfed at least one baby.

Requirements

Has breastfed at least one baby with minimal or no supplementation for at least 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience
Knowledge of principles, practices & procedures
Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
Knowledge of standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms
Knowledge of and ability to promote breastfeeding benefits
Skill in operating a personal computer
Ability to operate general office equipment
Ability to follow office procedures & practices
Ability to organize & maintain filing systems
Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner
Ability to plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing
Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationship with others
Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures
Ability to prioritize individual workload
Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed
Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier and small hand tools, i.e.; stapler, scissors, etc.
Ability to work with occasional loud noises
Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically
Ability to follow instructions
Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness
Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License and have a reliable motor vehicle to carry out these duties.
Incumbent will have access to records containing social security numbers in the performance of job duties.
High School Diploma or GED
This position is classified as sensitive. This individual will perform tasks defined as sensitive and handles confidential information. Background screening is a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on normal breastfeeding related issues in the clinic or by telephone visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC agency.
Receives a caseload of WIC clients to manage and routinely makes contacts with all clients assigned by the local agency breastfeeding coordinator or local agency breastfeeding peer counseling coordinator.
Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to WIC mothers to help them to successfully establish breastfeeding, overcome common barriers to breastfeeding, and prevent and handle common breastfeeding problems or concerns.
Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Assists with the facilitation of breastfeeding classes and support groups.
Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
Recognizes paraprofessional limitations and makes appropriate referrals to other breastfeeding, nutrition, nursing, or medical staff.
Works closely with local WIC agency, and Healthy Start, as well as with local breastfeeding coalitions.
Attends staff meetings, in-services, and workshops as appropriate and assigned.
Assists the local WIC agency in promoting breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned.
Completes required paper work as designated by the local WIC agency.
Calls supervisor if sick or absent from work. Follows the chain of command when supervisor not available.
Follows departmental and local WIC agency policies and procedures pertaining to breastfeeding, client confidentiality, data security, travel reimbursement and time reporting.
Understands WIC eligibility criteria and programmatic requirements in order to answer basic questions about WIC and make appropriate referrals.
Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume