Job Details

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

• $30,212 - $34,975/ Year
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Pension Plan

Duties:

• Uses practical breastfeeding experience to encourage, empower, and support breastfeeding mothers.
• Builds and maintains a caseload of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers participating in the WIC program.
• Offers information to help new mothers get a good start with breastfeeding and overcome common barriers and concerns.
• Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, clinic visits and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
• Refers clients to resources and/or health professionals when needed.
• Follows up on all client referrals and keeps accurate records of services provided to WIC participants.
• Teaches breastfeeding classes and/or recruits mothers at WIC clinics.
• Helps organize a local breastfeeding support group.
• Performs clinical duties and client intake and check out. Functions within a community team, including MSUE, Breastfeeding Initiative Peer Counselor, MIHP staff, hospital staff, lactation consultants, or LaLeche League leaders.
• Attends conferences and training regarding breastfeeding.
• This description is intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Significant personal breastfeeding experience. Do not have to be currently breastfeeding.
• Must be an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).
• If not yet certified as an IBCLC or CLC, the employee will be paid at one grade less on the salary schedule. 

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid vehicle operator’s license and a vehicle are required.
• Must accomplish the following goals within the first year of employment: Complete Loving Support Peer Counseling training; attend WIC Breastfeeding Basics training; attend MSUE Peer Counselor update training; read assigned books and materials about breastfeeding; and become a member of the local chapter of the LaLeche League.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Commitment and enthusiasm for promoting and supporting breastfeeding.
• Ability to communicate with diverse populations.
• Capable of maintaining strict client confidentiality.
• If possible, current or previous WIC participation.