Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Summary: The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is responsible for promotion of breastfeeding with health department clients. Goals are to encourage the decision to breastfeed before birth, promote breastfeeding during the early postpartum period, and prolong breastfeeding as long as possible. The Peer Counselor provides hospital and home visits as needed.

Normal Work Hours: 8:00 – 4:00 five days a week with the possibility of weekend and after hours work due to trainings, appointments with clients, or emergency preparedness events.

Necessities:

• Must keep the identity and health information of all clients confidential at all times.
• Must maintain valid driver's license, registration, and vehicle insurance and be able to drive his/her vehicle for any work assignments.

• Must follow DCFS mandated reporting requirements.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint and background check.
• Must speak fluent English.

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Must be able to bend and stoop repetitively.
• Must be able to be on ones feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to work at a computer station for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift required equipment which is normally 20-40 pounds.

• Must be mobile enough to fulfill the job requirements which include the ability to get in and out of the vehicle, traverse rough terrains, and enter spaces which may be totally handicapped inaccessible.

Environmental Factors:

• Must be able to work in confined spaces as needed.
• Must be able to work in conditions of extreme cold or heat as needed.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities):

• Conduct introductory and follow up visit (5-15 minutes) with client/families.
• Provide accurate information on breastfeeding.
  • Facilitate breastfeeding support groups utilizing a group curriculum that focuses on promoting breastfeeding education.
  • Must be available after normal working hours to assist clients
• Provide referrals of families to community or health department agencies.
• Write daily reports of activities and document time and travel with absolute integrity.
• Assist in data collection.
• Actively participate in all agency orientation and in-service training.
• Attend requested training.
• Keep breastfeeding peer counselor supervisor informed at all times and meet with supervisor on a routine basis.
• Collaborate with FCM and other community agencies as necessary.
• Recognizes and practices according to program policy and procedure.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Must be a previous breastfeeding mother
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• A High School diploma or its equivalent.

Current Openings for Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Jobs at Fayette County Health Department