Peer Counselor - Joplin Health Department

City of Joplin, MO•Joplin, MO

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Peer Counselor serves as a breastfeeding paraprofessional, providing breastfeeding information, support, and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and serving as a role model for breastfeeding women. The position counsels participants by telephone and in the WIC office, provides support for common maternal and infant breastfeeding concerns, and refers situations outside its scope to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator or a local agency lactation expert. The counselor maintains participant contact records in the Missouri WIC Information Systems (MOWINS), may help with classes and support groups, and assists with breastfeeding promotion. The role requires personal breastfeeding experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid state-issued driver’s license. Prior or current WIC participation is preferred. Successful completion of a post-offer background investigation, physical exam, and drug test is required. Initial and annual state and local agency training is also required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Personal experience with breastfeeding.
Valid state-issued driver’s license that is maintained.
Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and practices, the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, remedies for breastfeeding barriers, electronic recordkeeping, Windows Explorer, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical professionals, WIC and other health program participants, and the public.
Ability to use state and city administrative computer systems and communicate positively about breastfeeding.
Ability to communicate effectively with participants from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and language backgrounds using varied communication strategies.
Successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Prior or current WIC participation.

Responsibilities

Counsel pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers by telephone and at the WIC office at intervals set by the local agency.
Provide information and support to women managing common maternal and infant breastfeeding problems.
Issue manual or electric breast pumps as needed and within guidelines; process returned pumps, complete and scan paperwork, and enter information into MOWINS.
Contact the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator or local agency lactation expert when a situation is outside the role’s scope or additional guidance is needed.
When available, respond to new mothers needing breastfeeding assistance outside normal working hours through the after-hours phone line.
Maintain accurate records of contacts with WIC participants in MOWINS.
May teach prenatal and breastfeeding classes using approved lesson plans.
May attend and assist with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
Read breastfeeding books and materials assigned by the supervisor.
May assist WIC staff with breastfeeding promotion projects and other assigned duties.
Maintain the confidentiality of participants, files, records, and reports as required by law and City policy and procedures.
Communicate effectively with Health Department coworkers and people outside the department, maintain satisfactory attendance, and participate in departmental staff meetings.
Complete initial and annual state and local agency training for breastfeeding and peer counselors, as well as required informal training, observation, and approved conferences or seminars.