Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

This is part-time (8-12 hours per week), temporary work performing mother-to-mother support services for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program for the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department.

Breastfeeding peers will provide basic breastfeeding information, support, and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the WIC program. Performs related work as assigned. Work is performed in the WIC clinic and by telephone. Must be available outside normal business hours (8:00-4:30) to assist new mothers with breastfeeding.   Supervised by WIC Certified Professional Authority with advanced training in breastfeeding.

1. Attends and completes scheduled trainings and meetings to become a peer counselor
2. Counsel WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, email, text, and WIC clinic visits.
3. Routine contact with mothers as assigned.
4. Gives basic breastfeeding information to mothers. Including topic such as: benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and concerns with breastfeeding, getting a good start to breastfeeding.
5. Follow Loving Support guidelines regarding basic breastfeeding support for new mothers.
6. Help prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
7. Respects each mother by following confidentiality standards.
8. Keep accurate records of all contacts.
9. Follow referral protocol for participants. Referrals may be within the WIC program, to health care resources, or other community support agencies.
10. Instructs, attends, and assists with program classes and support groups as assigned
11. Assist with promoting breastfeeding peer counseling program through special projects and duties.
12. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding as assigned by supervisor.

Has breastfed at least one baby for 6 months or longer.
Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
Can work about 10-15 hours per week.
Has reliable transportation.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Successful completion of criminal records check.
Reflects population served in age, ethnicity, education, and language.
Bilingual helpful. Looking for languages representative of our population: Spanish, Karen, Arabic, Kurdish.Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time for hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment. Have reliable transportation.