Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides specific breastfeeding support and educational services in the Illinois WIC Program. The BFPC is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women. The Peer Counselor provides hospital and home visits as needed.

Normal Work Hours: Flexible, 15-20 hours a week with the possibility of weekend and after-hours work due to trainings, client appointments, or emergency preparedness events.

Necessities:

• Must keep the identity and health information of all clients confidential at all times.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license, registration, and vehicle insurance and be able to drive his/her vehicle for any work assignments.

• Must follow DCFS-mandated reporting requirements.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint and background check.
• Must speak fluent English.

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Must be able to bend and stoop repetitively.
• Must be able to be on ones feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to work at a computer station for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift required equipment which is normally 20-40 pounds.

• Must be mobile enough to fulfill the job requirements which include the ability to get in and out of the vehicle, traverse rough terrains, and enter spaces which may be totally handicapped inaccessible.

Environmental Factors:

• Must be able to work in confined spaces as needed.
• Must be able to work in conditions of extreme cold or heat as needed.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities):

• Promoting breastfeeding and acting as an advocate in the clinic and in the community.
• Talking with women individually or in groups about breastfeeding and answering basic questions about breastfeeding.
• Providing anticipatory guidance to help women prepare for their hospital experience and the first few days, weeks, and months of breastfeeding.
• Providing information on the effect of foods, medications, and home remedies on lactation within her scope of practice, Department policy, and local agency procedure.
• Documenting all contacts/conversations with participants.
• Referring participants to the appropriate staff as indicated by local agency procedure.
• Establishing relationships with WIC pregnant women and following up with them throughout their pregnancy and post-partum.
• Establishing relationships and follow-up with WIC breastfeeding moms, based on the schedule, for the duration of breastfeeding.
• Assisting in providing in-services or training sessions for other health care workers.
• Conduct introductory and follow-up visits (5-15 minutes) with clients/families.
• Actively participate in all agency orientation and in-service training.
• Attend requested training.
• Collaborate with FHCD programs and other community agencies as necessary.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Must be a previous breastfeeding mother
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• A High School diploma or its equivalent.