Public Health Peer Advocate (Vacancy)

City of Columbus•Varies by position, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this grant-funded position is responsible for providing breastfeeding education, promotion and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women according to policies and protocols of Columbus Public Health and the Franklin County WIC Program. Works as a team within a clinic environment and makes referrals to certified lactation staff for issues beyond the scope of practice. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth school grade.
Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license.
Some positions may require specialized skills or experiential background due to the nature of, or funding requirements for, the program.

Nice To Haves

Currently a WIC participant or has been a WIC participant within the last 5 years.
Has breastfed at least one baby exclusively for 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding/wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
Has reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Interacts with clients as peers sharing common experiences, building rapport and trust in order to facilitate their health care needs and improve their quality of life
Shares knowledge based on personal life experiences to provide social, emotional, and practical support, or assistance to clients who share similar life experiences
Provides peer interventions to clients including coping strategies, relapse prevention, and connections to available resources in order to promote recovery
Works in a team setting as one component of the clients’ coordinated care, maintaining a relationship with the client that fosters trust and understanding, which is distinct from the provider’s role
Promotes better health for clients by providing patient education and information on designated and specific health topics
Helps clients to identify and adopt risk reduction strategies (such as safe sex, drug treatment, needle exchange)
Participates in and/or conducts group educational sessions for a specified client population
May travel within the community to visit with clients and groups in a variety of residential and community settings
May communicate with individuals who have limited English language skills
May be assigned to serve as a member of an Incident Command System (ICS) Team, or a similar public health response team which may include the conduct of operations on a 24/7 basis at remote locations.
May serve as a department and/or community incident commander or on the incident command team.