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SalaryWIC Peer Counselor
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field and want to be a preferred partner in the health and wellbeing of individuals across East Central Indiana, Open Door Health Services wants to hear from you! Open Door Health Services seeks candidates that want to create a better life and future for others, and ourselves, by enhancing the communities where we live, work, and play. It is our core belief system that esteeming the team, maximizing potential, doing the right thing, choosing compassion, and encouraging uniqueness fosters an inclusive, diverse, and safe space to work.
A WIC Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This position is part-time, 20 hours per week M-F.
Responsibilities (How this position enhances our Mission, Vision, and Values)
Mission – Improve the Quality of Life of Others:
Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers 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.
Vision- ODHS preferred partner in East Central Indiana for improving the well-being of individuals and the communities in which they live:
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
May counsel women in the clinic.
Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
WIC nutritionist
Lactation consultant
Mother’s provider or nurse
Public health programs and social service agencies in the community
Values Esteem the Team, Maximize Potential, Do the Right Thing, Choose Compassion, Encourage Uniqueness:
Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 am to 5 pm working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keeps accurate records of all contact made with WIC mothers.
Attends and assists or facilitates prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Reads assigned books and material on breastfeeding that are provided by coordinator.
May assist WIC staff promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
About you:
Has breastfed at least one baby in the past 5 years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Enthusiasm about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
A current or past WIC client or can relate to the WIC client in age and experience.
Can work the hours needed.
Use business or personal cell phone to make and receive calls and texts from clients.
Has reliable transportation to the clinic, Peer Counselor Support Group meetings, and all required trainings.
Required to attend a 2-day training in order to practice as a Peer Counselor.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, staff, and the public at large.
Great customer service skills.
Able to react calmy and effectively in difficult situations.
Can work under pressure.
Good oral and written skills.
Knowledge of group dynamics.
Basic computer and math skills.
Ability to be flexible and prioritize work effectively plus have good time management.
Requires standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time. Occasional bending, stretching or lifting up to 40 pounds.
Requires the ability to work under stressful situations.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range or use of approved adaptive equipment
Typical Working Environment: Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substance, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to clinic environment. Tasks involve contact with blood or body substances.
Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
Responsibilities (How this position enhances our Mission, Vision, and Values)
Mission – Improve the Quality of Life of Others:
Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers 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.
Vision- ODHS preferred partner in East Central Indiana for improving the well-being of individuals and the communities in which they live:
Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
May counsel women in the clinic.
Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
WIC nutritionist
Lactation consultant
Mother’s provider or nurse
Public health programs and social service agencies in the community
Values Esteem the Team, Maximize Potential, Do the Right Thing, Choose Compassion, Encourage Uniqueness:
Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 am to 5 pm working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
Keeps accurate records of all contact made with WIC mothers.
Attends and assists or facilitates prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
Reads assigned books and material on breastfeeding that are provided by coordinator.
May assist WIC staff promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
About you:
Has breastfed at least one baby in the past 5 years (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
Enthusiasm about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
A current or past WIC client or can relate to the WIC client in age and experience.
Can work the hours needed.
Use business or personal cell phone to make and receive calls and texts from clients.
Has reliable transportation to the clinic, Peer Counselor Support Group meetings, and all required trainings.
Required to attend a 2-day training in order to practice as a Peer Counselor.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, staff, and the public at large.
Great customer service skills.
Able to react calmy and effectively in difficult situations.
Can work under pressure.
Good oral and written skills.
Knowledge of group dynamics.
Basic computer and math skills.
Ability to be flexible and prioritize work effectively plus have good time management.
Requires standing, walking or sitting for long periods of time. Occasional bending, stretching or lifting up to 40 pounds.
Requires the ability to work under stressful situations.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range or use of approved adaptive equipment
Typical Working Environment: Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substance, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to clinic environment. Tasks involve contact with blood or body substances.
Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
