Administrative Clerk/Breast Feeding Peer Coun

As the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., Unity Health Care provides a full range of health and human services to meet the needs of our communities through a network of over 28 traditional and non-traditional health sites and a mobile medical outreach vehicle.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, designed to help employees meet various needs throughout their careers and lives. Our benefits include:

• Paid-time off, Personal Days, 10 paid Holidays
• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
• 403 B Retirement
• Life Insurance
• Short-and-Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

INTRODUCTION

The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a Peer Counselor.
• Counsels women in the WIC clinic.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone at scheduled intervals determined by the State Agency.
• Receives a caseload of WIC clients and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. She also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the:

1. WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding counselor;
2. Lactation consultant;
3. The mother’s physician or nurse;
4. Public health programs in the community;
5. Social service agencies.

• Conducts Beautiful Beginnings Club meetings (the WIC breastfeeding support group)
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate and reports back to the Local Agency staff as requested.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor and Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Participates in World Breastfeeding Month celebrations.
• Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Proactively acts to resolve routine problems that arise regarding the CARES (or MIS) system.
• Performs secondary nutrition education in accordance with WIC policies and in a manner that is satisfactory as set forth by the WIC Director.
• Documents contacts with mothers properly in the DC WIC CARES (or MIS) system.
• Maintains caseload as specified by the WIC Director.
• Performs anthropometrics appropriately (as needed) and maintain a passing grade on trainings given.
• Maintains passing grades on any training post-tests and observations done by the WIC Director and Nutrition Coordinator.
• Complies with requirements set forth by the Management Evaluation results.
• Complies at all times with WIC policies regarding all aspects of service delivery.
• Attends and completes all WIC-related trainings as assigned by the WIC Director.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED certification
• Has breastfed at least one baby for at least 4 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must be a current or former WIC participant
• Has enthusiasm about breastfeeding, and wants to help other others enjoy a positive experience
• Demonstrates proficiency using software such as the WIC MIS and Microsoft Office
• Has reliable transportation