Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Temporary

State of Oklahoma•Norman, OK

9d•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. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is committed to leading Oklahoma to prosperity through health. Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Must be receiving or have received WIC services.
Have 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.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an approved basic Breastfeeding Educator Course within one year of employment
Refresher course for Breastfeeding Educator Course completed at least every three years
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 (Refer to the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Manual for recommended contact frequency.)
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.
Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.