Women Infant & Children (WIC) - Lactation Peer Counselor - TE

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Lactation Coordinator (IBCLC) and the Manager – Nutrition Program – WIC, the Lactation Peer Counselor - Temporary position empowers and supports WIC mothers in their breastfeeding journey, from preparation to providing ongoing assistance. This position provides essential breastfeeding education, addresses common challenges, and identifies high-risk situations that require referral to specialized healthcare providers such as lactation consultants or physicians. Additionally, this position promotes breastfeeding within the community.

Requirements

Experience in successfully breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for at least one child, or currently breastfeeding, to offer firsthand knowledge and support to other mothers is required.
Experience participating in the WIC program, or having participated in the past, to effectively relate to the WIC population as a peer is required.
Completion of the USDA 20-hour training course "Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work," or a guided study with the WIC Lactation Consultant (will be provided by either the State WIC Agency or Local WIC Agency), is required within sixty (60) days of employment.
A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment or a military waiver is required.
Bloodborne Pathogens training and HIPAA Compliance training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiently operate audiovisual equipment to deliver instructional content during classes.
Use Microsoft Office programs and operate a computer.
Utilize the State WIC training curriculum to counsel participants.
Organize thoughts and present accurate information in stressful situations.
Maintain precise documentation of all peer counseling interactions.
Take part in PC cell phone duty to handle hotline calls.
Represent WIC in a professional manner at outreach functions such as hospital visits, community health fairs, and other events.
Clearly communicate with women about the advantages of breastfeeding and the proper procedures to increase duration.
Dispense and maintain inventory of electric and manual breast pumps according to policy.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Responsibilities

Provide individual counseling with pregnant and breastfeeding women in the clinic, on the phone, in the hospital or at the client’s home.
Support mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience.
Accurately and clearly document all services provided in the computer system.
Issue breast pumps and teach proper procedures for use and care.
Clean and sterilize breast pumps.
Provide breastfeeding information and promote breastfeeding among peers.
Enter client data into the WIC computer system and issue food benefits.
Make follow-up phone calls to mothers who have been issued breast pumps, pregnant women within one month of expected delivery and retrieve overdue pumps.
Provide support and current information to breastfeeding moms who will be returning to work or school.
Teach breastfeeding classes, attend meetings, conferences, and training sessions as required.
Identify breastfeeding complications beyond scope of practice and make appropriate referrals based on state and local policy and procedures.
Issue and fit nursing bras and other supplemental breastfeeding aids.
Facilitate breastfeeding support groups.
Plan and participate in the annual World Breastfeeding Day event.
Operate a city vehicle as needed for travelling to participants home and/or hospital to deliver breast pumps or provide breast feeding support.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.