Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Temporary

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are a special group of women who can model good parenting skills, as well as breastfeeding skills

Duties not listed must be approved through the state Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Specialist and the local Administrative Director. Under the supervision of the local Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will perform any or all the following duties:

• →Support WIC mothers during a normal breastfeeding experience
• →Counsel new WIC mothers at certification
• →Promote breastfeeding to WIC participants
• →Address specific concerns of WIC expectant/breastfeeding mothers and correct misinformation
• →Share WIC-approved breastfeeding educational materials with participants
• →Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers over the telephone and in person (one-on-one) at scheduled intervals
• →Follow up on WIC participants according to protocol (Refer to the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Manual for recommended contact frequency.)
• →Be available to WIC participants outside the usual clinic hours and outside the WIC clinic environment
• →Provide participants with the phone number to the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline for additional breastfeeding support from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants 24 hours per day/7 days a week
• →Provide support and information to WIC breastfeeding mothers who may need help and/or advice to continue breastfeeding while working or going to school
• →Issue breast pumps and maintain breast pump inventory (Must complete formal breast pump training prior to issuing breast pumps)
• →Document appropriate counseling information, such as participant name, date, and time spent with participants in clinic records within 24 hours of contact
• →Complete and turn in Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Monthly Activity Report to the local Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Coordinator by the fifth day of the following month.
• →Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• →Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

High school diploma or equivalent.

• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.

• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will receive the following training:

• OSDH WIC Service Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Orientation
• An approved basic Breastfeeding Educator Course (completion required within one year of employment and refresher completed at least every three years)
• Breast pump training
• Scheduled Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in-services

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to record observations and activities; to follow oral and written directions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Be familiar with nutritional and breastfeeding data and instruction to meet nutritional guidelines of WIC- Breastfeeding

It is recommended that Breastfeeding Peer Counselors attend the OSDH WIC Service Annual WIC Breastfeeding Conference.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will make immediate referrals according to the individual local agency’s established referral system when they encounter:

• Breastfeeding problems outside the normal breastfeeding experience.
• Breastfeeding problems that are not resolved within 24 hours of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor’s intervention.
• Problems in an area other than breastfeeding.
• Issues beyond their scope of expertise.

Work is typically performed in an office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to moderate noise levels. While performing the duties of the job, employees are required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  This position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computers and phones.  Employees must be willing to complete all job-related travel associated with this position.

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:

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