Job Details

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

• $16,229 - $18,256/ Year
• This is a part-time position, working 22.5 hours per week.

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. 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.