Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Details: Job Location: PUTNAM COUNTY HOSPITAL - GREENCASTLE, IN, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Shift: Day, Overall Job Summary: Responsible for providing basic breastfeeding education and support to all pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients.

Job Responsibilities:

• Display a positive reflection of the Indiana WIC program, both in the clinic and through community outreach activities, which may include local Farmers’ Market events and collaborations with healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and other community partners.

• Develop working relationships with other staff and partnering community agencies.

• Maintain a compassionate clinic environment that supports the needs of the community.

• Support and promote breastfeeding as the normative infant feeding method within the clinic environment.

• Provide all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients with evidence-based breastfeeding support and education, within the clinic role’s scope of practice.

• Ensure confidentiality of applicant and client information in accordance with WIC federal regulation.

• Follow all policies and procedures of the Indiana WIC program.

• Counsel clients with basic breastfeeding education and support, including anticipatory guidance and addressing common barriers to breastfeeding.

• Refer clients to appropriate WIC staff and healthcare providers as needed for further assessment.

• Help clients prevent and handle common breastfeeding problems.

• Lead and facilitate breastfeeding classes.

• Document required information in the Indiana WIC Management Information System (INWIC MIS).

• Participate in in-service education and staff meetings.

• Attend off-site conferences and meetings as needed or required by the position.

• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications: Job Requirements:

• A paraprofessional (does not have professional training in health,nutrition, or the clinical management of breastfeeding)

• Is representative of the population served at the local agency.

• Has breastfed at least one infant for at least six months within the last

five years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding)

• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to support other parents in their infant feeding journey

• Ability to work independently.

• Work effectively on a multidisciplinary team.

• Flexibility during periods of Program change.

• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.

• Capacity to facilitate discussion to address the needs of individuals.

• Demonstrate professionalism in a manner consistent with legal and ethical

standards including WIC federal regulation.

• Operate standard office and computer equipment.

• Utilize Indiana WIC communication services to appropriately serve WIC clients.

• Available to work part-time hours

• Work completed in a fast-paced clinic setting. This may include interaction with the public, exposure to loud noises, and working in close proximity to

others.

• Repetitive motion related to standard office work.

• Occasional travel between clinics and to required statewide conferences.

• May be required to communicate with clients outside of normal clinic hours in an environment that promotes client confidentiality.