Job Summary/Scope

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

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 driver’s license required.

Material and Equipment Directly Used

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Education