Peer Counselor

PEER COUNSELOR 40 hours per week

As a Peer Counselor, you will assist in the planning, organizing, and implementing of the breastfeeding program for Neighborhood Health Clinics in accordance with the guidelines and policies set forth by the Indiana WIC Program. Provide information, counseling, and support to WIC/NHC prenatal and postpartum clients in an individual or group setting to assist them in their breastfeeding experience. Provide accurate information about breastfeeding. Maintain patient confidentiality and ensures compliance with HIPAA and WIC policies and procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

-Provides information consistent with WIC Program philosophies on the benefits and reasons to breastfeed.

-Gives basic breastfeeding information such as latching on, getting started in the hospital, supply and demand, preventing problems, overcoming common barriers, growth spurts, discouraging routine bottle supplementing (either formula or glucose water), expressing and storage of breast milk, and the use of pumps, breastfeeding aides and supplements.

-Contacts breastfeeding postpartum clients to provide information and support encouraging the continuance of successful breastfeeding.

-Contacts prenatal mothers to promote breastfeeding during pregnancy.

-Arranges follow-up contacts per Indiana State WIC Guidelines.

-Immediately refers clients who are experiencing breastfeeding problems (ex. using nipple shields, supplements, etc.) to the Breastfeeding Supervisor.

-Refers to Lactation consultant, mother’s physician or nurse, other social services agencies or public health programs, as appropriate.

• Performs duties in accordance with NHC Standards of Conduct and Mission Statement.
• Performs related work as required, including State WIC job description and other duties (similar physical requirements and OSHA risk level) as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Peer Counseling– Demonstrates a current, accurate knowledge base of breastfeeding; demonstrates a working knowledge of instructional skills and educational techniques to influence and guide the lactation care of patients; maintains knowledge of, and acts in accordance with, current NHCI policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education / Training

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Peer Counselor Breastfeeding Program, or obtain the same within 6 months of date of hire.

Experience

Preferably is or was a WIC client and able to relate to WIC clients in age and experience. Is or was a breastfeeding mother, preferably within the last 3-5 years. Previous computer experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Prolonged sitting, infrequent to occasional walking or standing. Requires full range of body motion, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination sufficient to assist clients and operate office/electronic equipment. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports. Requires ability to lift and carry items weighting up to 35 lbs. Requires exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. Requires ability to work under stressful conditions.

Work Environment

Normal clinic environment and offsite in various types of environments. Work may involve irregular hours, including evenings or weekends. Requires traveling outdoors in all types of weather. Involves frequent contact with other staff, physician’s offices, the public and patients. Contact may involve dealing with angry or upset people. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, and other conditions common to a Clinic environment. OSHA Category II – Tasks do not routinely involve contact with blood or body substances but contact may occur on an unplanned basis.