Under the direction of the WIC Program Director and Breastfeeding Supervisor, the Breastfeeding Peer Educator (PE) provides basic breastfeeding education and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

This is a full-time benefited position working 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday with periodic Saturday hours.

We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision (including dependent and domestic partner coverage), generous paid leave benefits including holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement plan with an Employer match, tuition reimbursement, monthly treats, pet insurance and more.

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center is a non-profit community health center that is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community by providing accessible, high quality care by integrating primary care, dental care, WIC support, mental health counseling, community health education and more.

Training:

• This individual will be required to attend a series of breastfeeding classes (nursing babies are welcome) which includes a 20-hour competency-based course overseen by the Breastfeeding Supervisor
• Observes other peer educators or lactation consultants helping a mother breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.
• Attends required Breastfeeding Peer Educator trainings.

Responsibilities:

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on-site, by telephone, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program as well as according to the postpartum mother’s unique needs if she encounters common breastfeeding concerns.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Accurately completes individual documentation using the Peer Counseling Database (PCDB). Maintains daily logs of all contacts as required by the WIC agency and submitted on a timely basis to Breastfeeding Supervisor.
• Assists and/or conducts breastfeeding promotion and support classes, and support groups.
• Refers mothers, according to WIC established protocols, to the:
• Lactation Consultant
• Breastfeeding Supervisor
• Primary Care Provider (PCP)
• Public health programs in the community
• [Documents contacts in PCDB/WIC WISE]
• Contacts prenatal participants from Expected Due Date (EDD) List to assess lactation plans and educational needs and provides appropriate intervention by phone. [Documents contact in PCDB/WIC WISE. Reschedules appointments if appropriate.]
• Respects each client by keeping their information strictly confidential.
• Issues electric, personal, and manual breast pumps to postpartum mothers. Counsels lactating mothers on the use and care of all issued equipment, and preparation for return of electric pumps. Records issuance of electric pumps on the Pump Contract and WIC WISE Family Comments. Contacts clients after pump issuance to assess use and follows monthly (by phone or during WIC visit) to determine readiness for equipment return.
• Consults and works with WIC staff as needed for clients’ lactation concerns.
• Attends routine meetings with BF Supervisor, site meetings (one/month), and other meetings as assigned as an active participant.
• Monitors length of counseling sessions so that clinic flow and caseload management is not delayed.
• Assists WIC Program Director and Breastfeeding Supervisor in other duties as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and expectations required of the position.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required
• Has breastfed at least one baby for six or more month(does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive
• experience.
• Can communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Has the ability to travel to designated locations.

Knowledge of:

• Appropriate breastfeeding practices for women.
• Principles of counseling.
• Interviewing and intervention techniques.
• Basic principles of health promotion, disease prevention and preventive health care.

Ability to:

• Conduct breastfeeding assessments, consultation and follow up.
• Follow oral and written directions, and prescribed procedures.
• Understand and accept differences in attitudes toward health problems.
• Document services in an online database system (PCDB; WIC WISE).
• Maintain accurate electronic service logs.