Student Veterans of America Jobs

Job Summary/Scope

The Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional who gives basic and more advanced breastfeeding information, support and encouragement to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, and serves as a role model for breastfeeding women and the Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. No budgetary expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Completes required breastfeeding trainings to become a peer counselor.
• Counsels and provides information to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, teleconference, hospital visits, and in the WIC office at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC provider.
• Teach prenatal and breastfeeding classes with approved lesson plan by BFPC Coordinator and/or organize mother support groups.
• Serves as a contact person for WIC participant caseload.
• Provides information and support for women in managing common maternal and infant breastfeeding problems that occur.
• Coordinates Breastfeeding Peer Counselor schedules to assure appropriate coverage.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants using the Missouri WIC Information Network System (MOWINS).
• Prepares routine reports, studies and documentation needed by management level staff to make decisions and complete advanced projects.
• Completes and submits the monthly Program Activity Report to the State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Contacts Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator or agency lactation expert when a situation occurs that is out of her scope of practice or anytime guidance is needed.
• Participates in health department outreach activities.
• Maintain client confidentiality.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizes and attends support group meetings, teaches and assists with prenatal and breastfeeding classes.
• Plans and coordinates with the Breastfeeding Coordinator special outreach activities such as Breastfeeding Month activities and baby showers.
• Attends and participates in breastfeeding workshops and training sessions, reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding.
• Available by phone to new mothers who have breastfeeding concerns and need assistance outside the usual 8:00 am to 5:00 pm working hours, using WIC issued cell phone.
• Promotes breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Recruits and interviews potential peer counselors in alignment with program policies and standards.
• Trains and mentors new and less experienced peer counselors while operating within their scope of practice.
• Conducts required yearly breastfeeding continuing education for WIC staff.
• Tracks loaned breast pumps and assures they are accounted for and in good working order.
• Completes USDA application for WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

Employee Behavior and Conduct

City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Breastfed an infant nine (9) months or longer.
• Ability to promote breastfeeding with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help other mothers successfully breastfeed.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive medical or personal information about clients or others.
• Must be able to work flexible hours.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Ability to work consecutively on multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect data and research and navigate the Internet desirable.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to attend state approved training for Peer Counselors.
• Knowledge of business math computations, grammar, composition and spelling.
• Skills in the operation and use of standard office equipment including computer and other related equipment. Microsoft office experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer information systems and software preferred.
• Valid drivers license required.

Material and Equipment Directly Used

Uses a variety of office equipment including computer with various software applications, cell phone, fax machine, copier, calculator, shredder, laminator and other related office equipment. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.

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Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. Must be able to sit, stand and move from area to area periodically, or be in one place for prolonged periods of time. Work involves oral communication through the use of telephone, teleconference, or in person. Required to access files to retrieve work materials. Exposure to loud noise. Other physical activity includes walking, navigating stairs, stooping, reaching and bending. Seldom needs to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Occasionally lifts as much as 40 pounds. Some evening and weekend work required. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. College degree in Health Sciences, Nutrition, Education, Communication or related fields preferred.Additional certification in the field of breastfeeding will be considered but not required.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.