WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Caring Health Center•Springfield, MA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Requirements

Has breastfed at least one baby within the last 5 years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Current or previous WIC participant
Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
Has good customer service skills, relating to persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and communicating in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner.
Able to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations.

Responsibilities

Attends a series of required in-person breastfeeding training sessions at the state WIC training center in Framingham, Nursing babies under 6 months are welcomed.
Observes other Peer Counselors or breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
Completes Safe Sleep Online Training Module.
Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a Peer Counselor.
Signs and follows FNS Loving Support WIC Peer Counselor scope of practice annually.
Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person at the WIC office.
Is available outside of the WIC office and outside of normal business hours.
Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers in the WIC computer system (Eos).
Refers mothers appropriately to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), Local Program Breastfeeding Coordinator, WIC nutritionist, IBCLC, the mother’s physician, or community partners as appropriate.
Teaches breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum mothers, and leads breastfeeding support groups.
Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.