State of Florida

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

State of Florida

part-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Lehigh Acres • Florida • United States

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Salary

💰 $17 per hour

About the role

  • The person in this position will have authorized 'need to know' access to confidential WIC client records and the WIC database.
  • This position may serve clients that speak only Spanish, Creole, or other languages.
  • It may require performance of interpreter duties, if bi-lingual, or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan.
  • This position with the Department of Health in Lee County’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides basic breastfeeding education to WIC participants in various locations throughout Lee County.
  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are paraprofessionals, who are recruited and hired from WIC’s target population, are available to WIC clients outside usual clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic environment, and have had previous experience with breastfeeding, having successfully breastfed at least one baby.
  • Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on normal breastfeeding related issues in the clinic or by telephone visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC agency.
  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselors work approximately 20 hours a week.
  • Peer counselors work in an assigned clinic and are available to WIC clients by phone, through use of a state issued cell phone, outside of normal work hours, i.e. evenings up till 9:00 pm week days and on week-ends.
  • Time spent by Peer Counselors, contacting and assisting clients outside of regular work hours will be considered work time.
  • Receives a caseload of WIC clients to manage and routinely makes contacts with all clients assigned by the local agency breastfeeding coordinator or local agency breastfeeding peer counseling coordinator.
  • Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to WIC mothers to help them to successfully establish breastfeeding, overcome common barriers to breastfeeding, and prevent and handle common breastfeeding problems or concerns.
  • Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
  • Assists with the facilitation of breastfeeding classes and support groups.
  • Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
  • Recognizes paraprofessional limitations and makes appropriate referrals to other breastfeeding, nutrition, nursing, or medical staff.
  • Works closely with local WIC agency, and Healthy Start, as well as with local breastfeeding coalitions.
  • Attends staff meetings, in-services, and workshops as appropriate and assigned.
  • Assists the local WIC agency in promoting breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned.
  • Completes required paper work as designated by the local WIC agency.
  • Calls supervisor if sick or absent from work.
  • Follows the chain of command when supervisor not available.
  • Follows departmental and local WIC agency policies and procedures pertaining to breastfeeding, client confidentiality, data security, travel reimbursement and time reporting.
  • Understands WIC eligibility criteria and programmatic requirements in order to answer basic questions about WIC and make appropriate referrals.

Requirements

  • Has breastfed at least one baby with minimal or no supplementation for at least 6 months
  • Knowledge of principles, practices & procedures
  • Knowledge of correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage
  • Knowledge of standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms
  • Knowledge of and ability to promote breastfeeding benefits
  • Skill in operating a personal computer
  • Ability to operate general office equipment
  • Ability to follow office procedures & practices
  • Ability to organize & maintain filing systems
  • Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner
  • Ability to plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing
  • Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationship with others
  • Ability to understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures
  • Ability to prioritize individual workload
  • Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed
  • Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier and small hand tools, i.e.; stapler, scissors, etc.
  • Ability to work with occasional loud noises
  • Ability to locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness
  • Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
Benefits
  • State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
  • Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
  • Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
  • Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
  • Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
  • Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills
breastfeeding educationclient record managementdata securityWIC eligibility criteriabasic breastfeeding supporttelephone communicationrecord keepingoffice proceduresfiling systemsbusiness writing
Soft skills
effective communicationorganizational skillsinterpersonal skillsability to work independentlyability to follow instructionsability to prioritize workloadcourteous telephone handlingability to establish relationshipsability to interpret policiesability to coordinate work assignments