Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor will provide information, counseling and support to WIC participants both prenatally and postpartum to assist them in their breastfeeding experience. The counselor will provide information consistent with the WIC program’s philosophy regardless of personal beliefs. The Peer Counselor assists women in getting the information, support and encouragement needed to exclusively breastfeed for the baby’s first year of life and beyond. Provides support to other Breastfeeding Peer Counselors.

SUPERVISION:

Received: Lead Breastfeeding Peer counselor works under the direct supervision of the Breastfeeding Coordinator and under the general supervision of the Child Development and Nutrition Services Director.

Exercised: None.

RATE: $16.10

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote exclusive breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants. The peer

         counselor will help to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates

• Work with pregnant women to discuss the participants’ choice of feeding method for

         the infant. The counselor will promote breastfeeding and help participant to discuss

         any barriers to breastfeeding the participant feels she may have

• The counselor will provide information to prenatal women interested in breastfeeding

         on the benefits of exclusively breastfeeding and will offer information and support to

         help sustain a successful breastfeeding experience

• The breastfeeding peer counselor will contact all postpartum women electing to

          breastfeed prior to and soon after delivery. Contacts will be made at the WIC office in

          person or by phone, to assist in initiating breastfeeding, to provide information and

          support, to encourage the continuance of successful breastfeeding and to respond to

          any breastfeeding concerns or problems

• The counselor will provide breastfeeding women education in the expression and

          storage of breast milk, including proper use and care of manual pumps

• The counselor will follow WIC’s procedures and guidelines when issuing electric breast

          pumps. The counselor will explain proper use and care of the electric breast pump as

          well as perform and document monthly follow-ups with the participant

• The counselor will arrange follow-up contacts according to WIC’s policy for required

          contacts as well as additional contacts needed, providing it is agreeable to the WIC

          participant. The counselor will keep accurate records of all contacts

• The counselor will generate reports from the StarLinc system to utilize for making

          contacts of pregnant and breastfeeding moms

• The counselor will help breastfeeding mothers connect with local breastfeeding support

          services in the community

• The counselor may be asked to attend special conferences or in-services on

          breastfeeding to increase her knowledge and skills.

• The counselor will attend breastfeeding peer counselor meetings and monthly staff

          meetings.

• The counselor will refer participants presenting with concerns that extend beyond the

         counselor’s knowledge and skills to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.

• The counselor will communicate to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator the needs of the

         Peer Counselor program, high risk clients that need further attention, the inventory of

         electric breast pumps, as well as any pertinent information relative to a successful Peer

         Counselor program.

• The counselor will refer breastfeeding women seeking formula to the WIC nutrition staff for further assessment
• Respect participant confidentiality by keeping all information confidential
• The counselor will be reliable with attendance during clinics scheduled to work.
• Assists with recruiting, interviewing and mentoring new Breastfeeding Peer Counselors.
• Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with training of new Breastfeeding Peer Counselors.
• Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with leading discussions during breastfeeding support groups and classes.
• Creates positive relationships with participants and reports any conflicts to the Breastfeeding Coordinator in a timely manner to effectively maintain a welcoming breastfeeding environment.
• Promotes the BFPC program and assists the Breastfeeding coordinator in outreach through special projects, creating bulletin boards, social media posts and attend outreach events.
• Assists the Breastfeeding Coordinator in monitoring the Pump Loan Program by adhering to the NH Breast Pump Distribution Policy. Performing and documenting 24-hour follow up calls, tracking inventory and ensuring pumps are meeting standards for redistribution.
• Attends Local Agency meetings with Breastfeeding Coordinator and Peer Counselors when required, as well as WIC/BFPC monthly staff meetings.
• Attends state sponsored breastfeeding peer counseling meetings, special conferences or in-services on breastfeeding to increase knowledge and skills.
• Completes required WIC Breastfeeding Training Curriculum levels, WIC Works Breastfeeding Promotion module, “Peer Counselor Competency Checklist”, other Agency required training.
• Reads breastfeeding books, educational materials, and self-study modules as recommended by the Local or State Agency Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Will maintain professional boundaries with all current, past, and prospective clients, and maintain the confidentiality of clients and staff, in accordance with SNHS policy and procedure.
• Abide by all SNHS Safety policies and procedures.
• Present professional and positive image as a representative of SNHS.
• Responsible for having adequate knowledge of all SNHS programs and will gather sufficient intake information to make referrals to other SNHS programs which are beneficial to the client and his/her family.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Has the ability to listen and avoid judgment and is sensitive to the cultural diversity of
• WIC participants and accepts other lifestyles.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Valid New Hampshire driver’s license, current adequate car insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Peer counselor is or was a breastfeeding mother of a baby for ideally 4-6 months or longer.
• Currently a WIC participant or previous WIC participant.
• Has knowledge in breastfeeding benefits and basic breastfeeding practices.
• Completion of WIC Breastfeeding Training Curriculum within 30 days of date of hire.
• High school education or the equivalent. 

PREFERRED EXPERIEBCE:

• At least 1-year experience as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
• Ability to mentor and support new staff.                                                                                                                                                                                                      "Southern NH Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer"