Peer Counselor

Maternal and Family Health Services is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Peer Counselor. As a Peer Counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at our Towanda WIC location.

A Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding participants. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and a commitment to providing customer-centered service delivery.

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers at the WIC clinic or by telephone contact at scheduled intervals.
• Provides and documents breastfeeding contacts according to policy, promoting breastfeeding with pregnant women and giving basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers.
• Refers mothers to the statewide breastfeeding hotline for breastfeeding problems outside usual working hours.
• Refers mothers to WIC Nutritionists, Breastfeeding Coordinators, lactation consultants, physicians, public health programs, or social service agencies as needed.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Networks with local hospitals, physician offices, and community organizations to establish a county-wide breastfeeding referral resource.
• Provides and documents appropriate referrals to clients.
• Schedules WIC appointments per set guidelines.
• Attends regular training sessions and updates as directed.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must be a current or former WIC participant who has breastfed at least one baby.
• Ability to perform operations with units involved in measuring and weighing.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, division, and reducing fractions.
• Knowledge of customer service and client-centered service delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a team.