WIC Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Hennepin County Public Health is seeking a WIC Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to join their team. This position is part of the Hennepin County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Peer Breastfeeding Support Program. In this role, you will provide both basic and more advanced breastfeeding information, positive reinforcement, provide encouragement to WIC pregnant and breast/chestfeeding individuals, assist new Peer Counselors in their positions and perform related work as assigned.

Hennepin County Public Health is committed to advancing health and racial equity. We recognize racism is a public health crisis. We are committed to change, and to co-creating solutions with those impacted to support communities where everyone experiences optimal health and wellness. Diverse voices are critical to this mission. We encourage you to join us in this work!

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit the employee referral program page.

Location and hours:
The position is hybrid and will be performed at one or more WIC sites across Hennepin County. Work location assignments may include two or more work locations in a week. Total work hours are a minimum of 20 hours onsite, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., but candidates must also be available for some evening and weekend hours as well. Based on current requirements hires must live in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.

About this position type:
This is a part-time (0.7 FTE), benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as a Community Health Worker
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:

• Assist parents in accessing needed lactation resources by following clinic-established protocols to refer parents to the WIC Breastfeeding Peer coordinator, designated breastfeeding expert, nutritionist, lactation consultant, the parent's physician or nurse, and community services such as social agencies that can further assist with additional resources.
• Provide support, encouragement, and lactation information and assistance to WIC pregnant and breast/chestfeeding individuals in the WIC clinic and by telephone at scheduled intervals determined by the WIC program; makes periodic contacts with all assigned clients.
• Attend WIC training program for Peer Counselors, including Levels 1 and 2 of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum, biweekly staff meetings, and lactation conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of contacts made with WIC clients and collect and document data required by the state or local agency.
• Read assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• Assist in training new Peer Counselors.
• Perform routine clerical support tasks including setting agendas, maintaining calendars, data entry, and creating correspondence.
• Assist WIC staff in promoting Breastfeeding Peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Instruct breastfeeding classes for pregnant and postpartum parents and Lead Breastfeeding support groups.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Working in community health and/or public health nutrition programs.
  • Using databases and/or computer programs to perform data entry where accuracy is essential.
  • Working for a WIC program.
• Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and best practices.
  
• Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Work effectively and communicate with individuals from a variety of cultural and lifestyle backgrounds in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.
  • Apply training and best practices.
  • Adapt to a variety of personal situations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Candidates with fluency in another language in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Bilingual candidates who pass a language assessment may qualify for additional bilingual pay and duties.

About the department:
Public Health works to improve the health of all county residents by addressing the social and environmental factors that impact their health and offering programs and services that help them to be healthy. We promote physical and mental health; prevent illness and injury associated with communicable diseases and environmental conditions, and reduce chronic diseases.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.
Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as a guest).
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
Your future. Made here.
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
This position will have access to systems or other documentation that contains HIPAA data.
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
Final candidates may be required to complete a drug test that may include testing for cannabis and/or a criminal background check.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources Department
HR.ServiceCenter@hennepin.us
612-348-7855Employment Type: Part-time (benefit earning)