Peer Counselor I- PT

HOPE ENTERPRISES•Williamsport, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Counselor I position involves providing essential breastfeeding support and information to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This role requires the ability to perform basic math functions, read, write, and comprehend, along with expressive and receptive language skills. Responsibilities include counseling mothers in various settings (clinic, hospital, home, telephone), managing a caseload, promoting breastfeeding benefits, and helping mothers overcome common barriers and concerns. The counselor is also expected to be available outside usual working hours for mothers experiencing breastfeeding problems, maintain strict client confidentiality, keep accurate records, and make appropriate referrals to other health and social services. The role also involves attending and assisting with prenatal classes, staff meetings, and various breastfeeding conferences and workshops, as well as reading assigned materials. Training includes a series of breastfeeding classes and one-on-one orientation with a supervisor.

Requirements

Ability to perform basic math functions.
Ability to write, read and comprehend what is read.
Expressive and receptive language skills.
Has breastfed at least one baby for at least 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Demonstrates basic communication skills and an ability to utilize counseling techniques.
Demonstrates enthusiasm about breastfeeding and desires to help other mothers.
Able to work part-time, 20-24 hours a week.
Has a telephone and is willing to make phone calls from home.
Has reliable transportation.
Comfortable with leading small groups such as a support group setting, assisting in peer meetings, hospital lactation meetings, and represents WIC in the community and with partner organizations.

Responsibilities

Attend breastfeeding training classes.
Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at the WIC clinic, hospital, home, or by telephone contacts at scheduled intervals.
Receive a caseload of WIC clients and make routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
Promote breastfeeding with pregnant women and give basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
Help mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
Be available outside usual working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
Respect each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
Refer mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the WIC Nutritionist or Breastfeeding Coordinator, lactation consultant, the mother’s physician or nurse, public health programs in the community, and social service agencies.
Attend and assist with prenatal classes and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Attend regular staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Read assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.