WIC, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (Temporary)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under close supervision, this position promotes and encourages breastfeeding through individual counseling and/or nutrition classes. Provides breastfeeding counseling, in person or over the phone, for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospitals, mobile van) and provides follow-up support for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources including issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy. Teaches classes and assists with presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management to clients and staff. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor. Attends required trainings and meetings. Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned. Identifies breastfeeding situations that require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals. Performs clerical duties and height and weight measurements as needed. Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) months of experience in a related field.
Breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.
Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals.
Not licensed or credentialed health professionals such as; International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), nurses.
Completion of Peer Counselor Training Course within 3 months of hire date.
Completion of all required WIC modules during the probationary period.
Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
Applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling techniques.
Knowledge of Federal, State, City, and Local policies and regulations that pertain to WIC services.
Skill in providing excellent customer service.
Skill in providing breastfeeding management and excellent customer service and support.
Skill in handling multiple tasks, organizing, and prioritizing
Skill in following written and oral instructions.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely with others.
Ability to work with and relate to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds; managers; co-workers; and members of the public and professional groups.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing customer service in a healthcare setting
Experience providing breastfeeding counseling in a clinic setting or mobile location
Experience teaching classes and/or assisting with presentation
Experience utilizing Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint and Teams in a office environment

Responsibilities

Provides breastfeeding counseling, in person or over the phone, for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospitals, mobile van) and provides follow-up support for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources including issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy.
Teaches classes and assists with presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management to clients and staff.
Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor.
Attends required trainings and meetings.
Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned.
Identifies breastfeeding situations that require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals.
Performs clerical duties and height and weight measurements as needed.
Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.