Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

Company Overview

Health disparities among New Yorkers are large, persistent and increasing. Public Health Solutions (PHS) exists to change that trajectory and support New Yorkers and their families in achieving optimal health and building pathways to reach their potential.

As the largest public health nonprofit serving New York City, we improve health outcomes and help communities thrive by providing services directly to low-income families, supporting community-based organizations through our long-standing public-private partnerships, and bridging the gap between healthcare and community services. We focus on a wide range of public health issues including food and nutrition, health insurance, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, tobacco control, and HIV/AIDS. Learn more about our work at healthsolutions.org.

Benefits Overview:

• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
• 403(b) + employer matching and discretionary company contributions
• College Savings Plan
• Ongoing trainings and continuous opportunities for professional growth and development

Program Description:

PHS’ Community Health and Nutrition Access Program helps New York residents obtain free or low-cost health insurance coverage, apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as Food Stamps), and through our WIC program, provides nutrition education sessions led by WIC nutritionists on healthy eating and physical activity, breastfeeding support, and eWIC cards to purchase nutritious foods. Our staff members are culturally and linguistically competent and identify with the communities they serve. They help clients navigate through what can be a complicated and confusing application process, step by step. Each year, we help over 22,000 people apply for or renew free or low-cost health insurance coverage, 14,000 people to apply for SNAP, and 35,000 eligible pregnant and nursing women and children up to five years of age to enroll in the New York State WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program.

Summary of Position:

Neighborhood WIC, a program of Public Health Solutions, provides special supplemental foods, nutrition education and counseling to low-income pregnant women, infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. Under the direct supervision of the Breastfeeding Coordinator and Center Manager, the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor will provide breastfeeding support and guidance to prenatal and breastfeeding mothers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Counsel prenatal women on the techniques and benefits of breastfeeding.
• Assist breastfeeding mothers to address breastfeeding concerns or problems.
• Call mothers at home to provide breastfeeding information and encouragement.
• Participate in all breastfeeding activities at WIC centers and community, breastfeeding outreach through health fairs and conferences.
• Issue breastfeeding aids to breastfeeding women when needed.
• Attend NYS WIC coalition meetings and trainings.
• Document work activities in the Peer Counselor Daily Activity Log.
• Assist in breastfeeding groups utilizing Participant Centered Nutrition Education (PCNE) technique.
• Participate in all other activities that contribute to the efficient operation of the WIC Center.
• Support and promote Participant Centered Nutrition Services (PCNS).
• Participates in all other activities that contribute to the efficient operation of the WIC Center.
• Ability to travel and work at other WIC centers in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
• Attends all mandatory trainings and meetings.

Qualification Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Have personal experience breastfeeding.
• Bilingual Required (Spanish and able to read and write in English).
• Be willing to travel to all PHS WIC centers in NYC.
• Be approachable and display enthusiasm for helping women to breastfeed.
• Have basic computer knowledge.
• Be able to attend breastfeeding trainings and meetings.
• Must be reliable and very organized with strong time management. 
• Must be detail-oriented and able to work independently.
• Salary: $33,120 - $33,120

At PHS, we place immense value on diversity within our teams, understanding that varied backgrounds and experiences significantly enhance our community and propel us toward our goals. If you find you don’t have experience in all the areas listed above, we still encourage you to apply and share your background and experiences in your application. We are eager to discover how your unique perspective can bring positive transformations to our team and help advance our mission of creating healthier, more equitable communities. We look forward to learning more about you!

PHS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and veterans.