Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - 00000000 (York County/Rock Hill)

State of South Carolina•York County, SC

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor promotes breastfeeding to pregnant women and supports breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the WIC Program. The role provides postpartum and prenatal contacts by telephone, face-to-face, in hospitals or clinics, and through home visits. The counselor connects mothers with breastfeeding classes and support groups, shares breastfeeding and basic WIC information, and refers complex breastfeeding situations to the breastfeeding coordinator or designated breastfeeding expert. The position also requires accurate contact records, strict confidentiality, attendance at scheduled meetings, and assistance with trainings. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors or the Breastfeeding Coordinator. The position requires a high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, subject to approval. Preferred qualifications include being a current or former WIC breastfeeding recipient, having breastfed at least one baby, and being enthusiastic about breastfeeding.

Requirements

High school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience.
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer or delegate.

Nice To Haves

Current or past breastfeeding WIC recipient.
Breastfed at least one baby.
Enthusiastic about breastfeeding.

Responsibilities

Promote breastfeeding to pregnant women and support breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the WIC Program.
Contact WIC breastfeeding mothers in the hospital or clinic, through home visits, and/or by telephone within 24–72 hours, 3–6 days, and 8–14 days after delivery.
Contact breastfeeding mothers by telephone or face-to-face once a week for the next three weeks after birth, and at least once a month thereafter while they are breastfeeding.
Refer mothers or infants with complex breastfeeding situations to the breastfeeding coordinator or designated breastfeeding expert.
Make prenatal telephone contacts at 16, 20, 24, 27, 31, 35, 39, and 40 weeks of gestation.
Invite WIC mothers to breastfeeding classes and support groups.
Teach breastfeeding information.
Provide basic WIC information, such as breast pump options, or refer WIC questions to a WIC nutritionist.
Keep accurate records of all contacts with WIC mothers.
Maintain strict confidentiality of client information.
Attend scheduled meetings and assist with trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and/or the Breastfeeding Coordinator.