WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

King County • Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA

7d • Remote

About The Position

Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to help WIC mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding. The counselor provides basic evidence-supported information, encouragement, and support; addresses barriers to breastfeeding; and reinforces breastfeeding recommendations in socially and culturally appropriate ways. The position promotes breastfeeding as an important element in the health and development of mothers and babies.

The incumbent works with clients individually or in groups, using client-centered skills and following the USDA's Loving Support Model. The role includes counseling on normal lactation management issues, referring clients for more intensive assistance when indicated, and maintaining records of client contacts. The position is half-time, approximately 20 hours per week, and is primarily remote. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to meet workplace reporting requirements. A County-issued laptop is provided; the employee must maintain a reliable internet-connected workspace and be available during scheduled hours. Work outside regular business hours, including Saturdays, may be required. The position is overtime eligible.

This recruitment may be used to create an eligibility pool for additional Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies over the next six months. The selected candidate must complete the Loving Support Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Program within one month of hire.

Requirements

• Personal experience exclusively breastfeeding at least one infant for a minimum of six months.
• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding methods and management of common problems.
• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling techniques.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate effective and professional cross-cultural communication skills, in person and in writing.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to the needs of diverse clients.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to use computers and software programs necessary for the position.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Completion of the Loving Support Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Program within one month of hire.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and the ability to develop effective working relationships.
• Must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance of the King County worksite.
• Must maintain a reliable internet-connected workspace and be available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must protect the privacy and security of protected health information and comply with OSHA/WISHA requirements, including timely mandatory training and required immunizations.
• Must be proficient and comfortable using computers, including Microsoft Office and web-based tools.

Nice To Haves

• Current or past participation in the WIC program.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding among WIC participants and as an important element in the health development of mothers and babies.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement using client-centered skills and the USDA's Loving Support Model.
• Establish rapport with assigned clients and address their breastfeeding concerns.
• Provide individual or group counseling for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved resources.
• Refer clients for more intensive breastfeeding assistance when indicated, following established protocols and approved resources.
• Address the issues clients are most concerned about and help them explore barriers to successful breastfeeding.
• Help clients visualize how breastfeeding can work for them.
• Maintain accurate records and chart notes of all client contacts.
• Follow agency procedures for making referrals and reporting child safety concerns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed