Breastfeeding Peer Helper

This position gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

• High school graduate or equivalent.

• Has breastfed or provided their own expressed human milk to at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding.

• Ability to work effectively with other staff and leadership.

• Ability to listen and advocate for a participant.

• Ability to problem solve common breastfeeding barriers.

• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding principles.

• Completes levels 1 and 2 of the FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum 6 months after hired.

• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and be insurable under the Lucas County Commissioners' Risk Management.

POSITION ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, in-person, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.

• Adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA.

• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to appropriate organizations, groups, and partners.

• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.

• Assists WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer program through outreach events, special projects, and duties as assigned.

• Adheres to PHAB core competencies including, but not limited to: 2.2.5, 3.2.1, 3.2.4, 3.4.2, 5.2.3, 6.3.2, 7.4.3, 7.11.2.

• Participates in quality improvement efforts and achieving PHAB accreditation requirements. This position will be responsible for using quality improvement (QI) processes and/or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the assigned public health program.

• Attends and participates in conferences, seminars, trainings, or related education classes as assigned.

POSITION ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, in-person, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.

• Adheres to all confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA.

• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to appropriate organizations, groups, and partners.

• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.

• Assists WIC staff in promoting the breastfeeding peer program through outreach events, special projects, and duties as assigned.

• Adheres to PHAB core competencies including, but not limited to: 2.2.5, 3.2.1, 3.2.4, 3.4.2, 5.2.3, 6.3.2, 7.4.3, 7.11.2.

• Participates in quality improvement efforts and achieving PHAB accreditation requirements. This position will be responsible for using quality improvement (QI) processes and/or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the assigned public health program.

• Attends and participates in conferences, seminars, trainings, or related education classes as assigned.