WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Harrington Hospital, Southbridge Campus - 26 hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Southbridge, MA

1d•$15 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Everyone Is a Caregiver At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver – regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Candidate must attend a series of breastfeeding trainings.
Candidate will be required to read assigned education materials regarding breastfeeding.
Candidate will be required to complete Safe Sleep Online Training Module.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate has experience breastfeeding and either is a current or previous WIC participant (preferably a participant who is enthusiastic about breastfeeding education).
Ideal candidate must have good customer service skills and must be able to relate to diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Signs and follows FNS Loving Support WIC Peer Counselor scope of practice.
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.
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in person at the WIC office
Is available outside the WIC office and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers in WIC computer system (Eos).
Refers mothers to appropriate services within her service area.
Teaches breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum mothers, and leads breastfeeding support groups.
Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.