WIC Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

Indiana Health Centers, Inc. (IHC) is a mission-driven organization that has been providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to underserved and uninsured populations since 1977. At IHC, a Federally Qualified Health Center, we specialize in integrated care, which means having access to essential services to meet the needs of the patients we serve in the community. With ten healthcare centers and eight Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program locations throughout Indiana, we offer primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare services to community-based patient populations that are diverse in age, educational background, and income level.

IHC in Frantfort, Indidna (Clinton County) is seeking a part-time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) to join its team.

This is a 20 hour-per-week position.

Overview:

As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC), you will play a pivotal role in empowering WIC clients to confidently breastfeed their infants. Your dedication and commitment to promoting the benefits of breastfeeding can inspire and empower mothers, giving their little ones the best possible start in life. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families in our community.

Educational:

• Educates WIC participants and clinic staff on the benefits of breastfeeding and issues including latching on, initiation of breastfeeding at the hospital, supply and demand, most current data on breastfeeding, and preventing problems
• Teaches breastfeeding/infant feeding classes at WIC clinics as directed. Conducts and leads Breastfeeding support groups
• Contacts participants in prenatal programs and assists health professionals in counseling participants
• Makes contact with new mothers via phone or personal visit to the hospital or home to prevent or resolve problems and provide information and support that will encourage the continuance of successful breastfeeding
• Educates breastfeeding mothers on the expression and storage of human milk.
• Refers clients who meet guidelines for breast pumps and/or breastfeeding aids to the breastfeeding coordinator
• Refers problems and difficult breastfeeding cases to WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, including all cases where medical intervention is needed
• Performs outreach activities to the medical community on WIC and breastfeeding

Administrative:

• Returns calls to WIC participants in a timely manner according to local agency guidelines
• Arrange follow-up contacts with WIC participants according to their needs and schedule
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of contacts with WIC participants
• Accurately documents time spent at the IHC clinic
• Submits documentation to supervisor according to set deadlines
• Attends appropriate training to increase personal knowledge
• Attend BFPC ISDH Meetings
• Maintain inventory of breast pumps and the documentation related to this
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills
• Effectively communicate ideas with a diverse population with a wide range of educational and socio-economic levels, both one-on-one and in group settings
• Establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships with WIC staff and clients
• Resolve conflicts, think creatively, and negotiate solutions
• Demonstrate positive customer service skills
• WIC Functions: Able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding problems, techniques of breastfeeding promotion
• Demonstrate knowledge of cultural and ethnic food and nutrition practices
• Able to maintain participant confidentiality
• Demonstrate awareness of limitations of the Peer Counselor position and work effectively with clients within the boundaries of that position
• Willing and able to accept work-related telephone calls at home

• High school diploma or equivalent required (Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred)
• Personal breastfeeding experience required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and WIC software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in breast pump operation
• Spanish language skills preferred
• Preferably is or was a WIC client preferred