Counselor, Breastfeeding Peer

Southeastern Michigan Health Association•Clinton Township, MI

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the WIC Program Manager and under the direction of the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, this paraprofessional support person will provide basic breastfeeding education and encouragement to WIC families at various Macomb County locations, to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.

Requirements

Possess a valid Michigan driver’s license and a reliable transportation.
Be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without, reasonable accommodation.
Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Has breastfed at least one (1) infant for at least six (6) months.
Possess basic knowledge of the WIC program and the unique characteristics of the population it serves.
Basic computer skills, including MS Office Suite, Google Office Suite, saving and accessing documents, chat and e-mail.
Effective organizational skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality requirements and to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy.
Applicants must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities

Counsels and educates pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled in the WIC Program by telephone, virtually or in person, from the WIC clinic or approved alternate work site.
Maintains a caseload of clients who request breastfeeding information and assistance, and makes routine periodic contacts.
Provides close contact and follow-up to clients during the early post-partum period.
Refers complex breastfeeding issues or problems which are beyond the scope of the peer counselor’s knowledge or skills to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, or alternate breastfeeding professional or health care provider.
Assists in teaching breastfeeding classes or support groups to WIC clients.
Teaches use, cleaning and assembly of breast pumps; expression and storage of human milk; and participates in the breast pump loan and issuance program in the WIC program.
Enters client contact data and education in the MI-WIC system; may schedule appointments and issue benefits when appropriate.
Participates in WIC staff meetings and communicates information to WIC staff as needed.
Participates in breastfeeding training, workshops and conferences as required and thereafter as appropriate.
Bends, stoops and reaches in order to retrieve documents, educational materials, and breastfeeding supplies.
Lifts, moves and carries equipment and supplies that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Be available outside normal business hours.