WIC Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

Comprehensive Community Action•Cranston, RI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Counselor role is designed for individuals who have participated in the WIC program and have successfully breastfed, to assist other WIC participants in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. These counselors act as positive role models and representatives of the WIC program, offering unique support and influence to other WIC mothers that differs from traditional health professionals.

Requirements

Have been on the WIC Program
Breastfed at least one child for at least 6 months
An interest in promoting breastfeeding and in working for the WIC Program
Extensive verbal and written communication with patients so they understand information provided.
Spanish speaking, highly preferred

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking

Responsibilities

Initiate contact with referred prenatal women within 2 weeks of receiving referral via phone, mail, or in person.
Assess a woman’s knowledge of breastfeeding and interest in choosing breastfeeding, addressing concerns and providing information on benefits.
Help women make an informed choice about infant feeding without judgment.
Make a minimum of 2 contacts with referred prenatal participants who intend to breastfeed through phone, one-on-one counseling, or group classes.
Contact breastfeeding participants soon after delivery to assess progress, provide encouragement, and support.
Follow up on referrals from WIC staff for participants with breastfeeding problems within 48 hours of receiving the referral.
Complete documentation requirements after each counseling/education contact within 2 weeks of the contact date.
Identify common breastfeeding problems, provide problem-solving information, and refer complicated cases to healthcare professionals.
Maintain contact with breastfeeding women throughout their breastfeeding experience.
Document inability to contact a participant after 3 weeks for routine contacts or 3 days for problem referrals, and inform the referring WIC staff.
Attend meetings and trainings as requested by the State WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator or local agency WIC Coordinator.
Ensure compliance with State/Federal, JCAHO standards, OSHA, and Infection control standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.