BreastFeeding Peer Counselor

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Newport News, VA

1d • $15 - $18 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting
the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in
Richmond and 32 local health districts. These entities work together to promote
healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public
about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease
outbreaks in Virginia.

As part of the Virginia Department of Health, the Hampton, and Peninsula Health
Districts (HPHD) are two health districts serving the residents of Hampton,
Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and the Counties of James City, and
Yorktown.

The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts are focused on four key pillars to
create a sustainable and engaged workforce:

1. Workforce Development and Training
2. Culture and Climate
3. Community Engagement and Partnerships
4. Communication and Openness

Through these pillars, we aim to achieve our mission of becoming the healthiest
districts in the state and better serve our communities. Apply and join the
Virginia Department of Health's efforts to become the healthiest state in the
nation.

Are you looking to empower families through peer breastfeeding support?

If so, then the Peninsula Health Department is searching for you to fill one of
our two Breastfeeding Peer Counselor positions. The WIC Breastfeeding Peer
Counselor will support and encourage WIC families on their breastfeeding
journeys. If you have enjoyed your own breastfeeding experience and love helping
others, especially in a diverse and multicultural community, we would be
thrilled to have you apply. Personal WIC experience, along with being bilingual
in English and Spanish skills are a plus. Most of the work will take place in
our clinics (Newport News and Williamsburg), with some work-from-home
flexibility so you can support WIC clients by phone or text outside of regular
business hours.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors promote breastfeeding among WIC participants,
health care workers and the community. They attend local, regional, or state
breastfeeding promotion and support training when possible. They operate within
the BFPC scope of practice as defined in the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.
Participates in multidisciplinary team case conferencing to develop and
implement WIC participant service plans. May represent Local Agency and WIC on
interdisciplinary workgroups, taskforces, or coalitions.

This is a restricted position funded solely through the Federal Breastfeeding
Peer Counselors Grant for a one‑year period ending September 30. Funding
availability is reviewed annually and periodically thereafter. Continuation of
employment is contingent upon the ongoing availability of these funds.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of: Basic human lactation, Breastfeeding practices, Various positioning techniques, Basic breastfeeding management, Manual expression of breast milk, Collection and storage of human milk, Good communication skills
• Demonstrated an ability to: Instruct in a group and individual setting, Recognize problems related to breastfeeding and make appropriate referrals/interventions

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of basic nutrition principles for breastfeeding women and infants preferred
• Prefer experience with basic interviewing and counseling skills and/or teaching group classes.
• Previous or current participation in the WIC Program preferred
• Ability to work with people from all areas of socioeconomic and literacy levels
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Promote breastfeeding among WIC participants, health care workers and the community.
• Attend local, regional, or state breastfeeding promotion and support training when possible.
• Operate within the BFPC scope of practice as defined in the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team case conferencing to develop and implement WIC participant service plans.
• Represent Local Agency and WIC on interdisciplinary workgroups, taskforces, or coalitions.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees