WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.
Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience
Expected starting salary is $20.13 to $26.88. Full salary range is $20.13 - $33.63.
Current or previous Women Infants and Children (WIC) program participant.
AND
Has breastfed at least one (1) baby exclusively giving no supplements like water, glucose water, infant formula, or other fluids for six (6) months or longer (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) and is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help others enjoy a positive experience.
Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.
AND
Has breastfed at least one (1) baby exclusively giving no supplements like water, glucose water, infant formula, or other fluids for six (6) months or longer (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) and is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help others enjoy a positive experience.
Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver's license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.
Nature of Work
Under supervision, provides basic breastfeeding information, positive reinforcement and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants both remotely and in the WIC clinic. Independently manages assigned cases and independently seeks out updates to client contacts. Performs related work as assigned. Must be available outside normal business hours.
Examples of Work
- Provides support, encouragement and breastfeeding information to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants in the WIC clinic and by telephone at scheduled intervals determined by the WIC program; makes periodic contacts with all assigned clients.
- Assists parents in accessing needed breastfeeding resources; refers breastfeeding participants, according to clinic-established protocols, to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert, Lactation Consultants, health care providers, public health programs in the community and social service agencies.
- Maintains accurate electronic and paper records of contacts made with WIC clients as required by the State or local agency.
- Attends trainings, staff meetings and conferences/workshops as required.
- Reads books and materials on breastfeeding that are assigned by the supervisor and uses resources provided to independently update knowledge to meet the needs of clients.
- Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and best practices
- Skill in the use of computers and technology
- Skill in data entry and electronic documentation
- Skill in interpersonal communication
- Skill in active listening
- Ability to maintain confidential information
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Ability to adapt to a variety of personal situations
- Ability to be non-judgmental and accepting of others and able to exercise tact and good judgment in working with children and adults
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
- Ability to accept and utilize supervision
- Ability to work with people of diverse economic, culture and social backgrounds
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to apply training and best practices
Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
Olmsted County
Cassandra Ray, Recruiter
