The Holmes County General Health District is actively seeking a qualified candidate for the part-time position of Breastfeeding Peer. Under the general supervision of the WIC Director, the Breastfeeding Peer
is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information, encouragement and support to Holmes County pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE
- Offers information, encouragement and support to breastfeeding and pregnant WIC participants. Arranges home visits as needed.
- Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to breastfeeding and pregnant women including but not limited to: benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, getting a good start with breastfeeding, weight checks and latch assessments, and preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns.
- Provides one-on-one support to breastfeeding and pregnant WIC participants by interviewing, assessing and determining the best way to help breastfeeding mothers, making referrals to Health Professional, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, CLC, IBCLC or mother/child’s Healthcare provider when needed.
- Contributes to the development of program goals and objectives.
- Provide regular Infant Feeding Class to WIC participants and public.
- Ensures WIC participant women are contacted per the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Peer Training Guidelines and follows up of telephone triage notes; completes the breastfeeding tab in the WIC System and paperwork needed to comply with grant requirements.
- Completes contact spreadsheets to ensure accurate monthly/quarterly reporting of breastfeeding information.
- Participates in breastfeeding promotion and outreach activities such as attending health fairs, attending county fairs, etc.
- Respects all clients by keeping information confidential.
- Attends staff meetings, participates in such as a member of the WIC team.
- Familiarizes self with community resources and services; refers client to such resources or services and documents referrals.
- Maintains appropriate office and breastfeeding supplies using agency policy and procedures.
- Assists with activities to create public awareness about breastfeeding and the WIC Program.
- Supports Nursing and the HCGHD in outreach, meeting the goals of the agency’s strategic plan, and meeting the goals of the community health improvement plan.
- Model breastfeeding and positive parenting behaviors.
- May need to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
- Maintains required continuing education hours by attending breastfeeding conferences and trainings as required by state and local WIC program. Must be accountable for time and travel.
- Demonstrates regular and predictable at
- Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES MUST POSSESS:
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of exclusively or substantially breastfed one (1) infant for at least six (6) months but does not need to be currently breastfeeding. Must be a current or former WIC participant. Must be of similar economic, educational and cultural background as the WIC participants being served. Individual must be enthusiastic about breastfeeding and want to help other mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience with a pleasant telephone voice and ability to build rapport with participants. Must have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, and experience with social media platforms. Prior WIC experience is a plus
Benefits:
The HCGHD offers a family-friendly, flexible work environment with a competitive benefits package. Employees are awarded 12 paid holidays, vacation time, personal time, and sick time. Additionally, we offer health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. Retirement plan is provided through OPERS. Flexible work schedule.
The HCGHD is an equal opportunity employer and provider of services.
Position is open until filled