Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Position Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Pay Grade: S-1 
FSLA: Non-Exempt
Division: Health Promotion & Wellness 
Union Status: Non-union

POSITION SUMMARY
A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a support person who gives basic breastfeeding information based on personal experience, present or experience within the past 5 years, along with encouragement and support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers for WIC services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position provides no direct supervision of Health Department staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position is under the supervision of the assigned Nurse Manager, Health Promotion and Wellness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. The Peer Counselor must have breastfed at least one baby (within the last 5 years) but does not need to currently be breastfeeding.
2. Manages an assigned caseload of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned in accordance with program and agency policy and procedure.
3. Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers individually and in group settings in accordance with the Loving Support curriculum, and program and agency policy and procedures.
4. Refers mothers appropriately when needed and in accordance with established program and agency protocols.
5. Assists supervisor and staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through outreach, special projects and duties as assigned. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any Supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing the duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Personal experience with successfully breastfeeding at least one baby (within the last 5 years) but does not need to currently be breastfeeding.
Enrolled in Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, past or present.
Successful completion of the “Loving Support” training curriculum designed for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Basic Computer skills including experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook.
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrates enthusiasm about encouraging and helping other mothers have a positive breastfeeding experience.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE ABILITIES

• The ability to sit, flex, stand, reach, and bend.
• The physical strength to lift, carry, and transport materials/equipment equivalent to thirty (30) pounds.
• Visual acuity, auditory ability, and clear written and verbal communication ability.
• Manual dexterity and the ability for data input into various computer programs.
• The ability to maintain professional behavior at all times.

• Must reside within St. Clair County, IL or be willing to relocate to St. Clair County within six (6) months from hire date.
• The ability to work necessary hours to meet the position requirements including evenings and/or weekends as assigned.
• May require provision of services at off-site locations.
• A valid Driver's License.
• A dependable automobile for use in position.
• Auto insurance in effect with at least the minimum limits of liability as outlined and required by the state of Illinois.
• Adherence to all local, state and federal regulations pertaining to OSHA guidelines.
• Health Department employees:
  • Are required to have a TB test upon hire and separation of employment.
  • Must be current on CDC Healthcare Personnel Vaccine Recommendations, which include Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps Rubella), Td/Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis), Varicella (chickenpox) and Meningococcal if over 65. Influenza and COVID vaccines are recommended and encouraged, but not required at this time and maybe subject to change.
• All employees must adhere to the St. Clair County Personnel Code.
• Position contingent upon continued grant funding.