WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (69382)

VARIETY CARE INC•Oklahoma City, OK

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This role involves supporting WIC mothers during their breastfeeding experience, counseling new mothers at certification, promoting breastfeeding, and addressing specific concerns. The counselor will share WIC-approved educational materials, provide one-on-one counseling via telephone and in person, and follow up with participants according to protocol. Availability outside usual clinic hours and environments is expected. The role also includes providing participants with the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline number for additional support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, assisting with breast pump issuance and inventory, documenting counseling information, completing monthly activity reports, and maintaining secure participant files. The counselor will participate in clinic staff meetings and attend scheduled meetings and in-services, making appropriate referrals when needed. This position supports Variety Care’s accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and the goals of the “Triple Aim” of healthcare reform.

Requirements

Possesses a high school diploma or GED.
Must be receiving or have received WIC services.
Has successfully breastfed at least one baby.
Possesses good communication skills.
Ability to travel to various sites upon request as needed.
Ability to make telephone calls from home to clients.
Available to work three days minimum in clinic, about 20 hours per week.
Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and has a desire to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English /Spanish).

Responsibilities

Supports WIC mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience.
Counsels new WIC mothers at certification.
Promotes breastfeeding to WIC participants.
Addresses specific concerns of WIC expectant/breastfeeding mothers and corrects misinformation.
Shares WIC-approved breastfeeding educational materials with participants.
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over the telephone and in person (one-on-one) at scheduled intervals.
Follows up on WIC participants according to protocol.
Is available to WIC clients outside usual clinic hours and outside the WIC clinic environment.
Provides participants the phone number to the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline for additional breastfeeding support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants 24 hours per day/7 days a week.
Assists Certified WIC Nutrition Technician with Issuing breast pumps and maintains breast pump inventory.
Documents appropriate counseling information.
Completes and turns in the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Monthly Activity Report to the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Coordinator in a punctual manner.
Keeps participant files in a secure environment.
Participates in clinic staff meetings as part of the WIC team.
Attends scheduled Breastfeeding Peer Counselor meetings and in-services.
Provides appropriate referrals when needed.
Supports Variety Care’s accreditation as a Patient Centered Medical Home and our commitment to provide care to all Variety Care patients that is Safe, Effective, Patient Centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable.
Provides leadership and works with all staff to achieve the goals of the “Triple Aim” of healthcare reform—to improve the experience of care, improve health outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs.
Embodies the strength of personal character.
Places value on being an open and honest communicator who displays high moral and ethical conduct, integrity, adaptability, and sound judgment.
Must be a leader in the department and community.
Result-oriented problem solver who is responsible and accountable.
Performs other duties as assigned.