WIC Breastfeeding Peer Helper

Position Introduction

The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Helper functions as part of the Maternal and Child Health team in efforts to improve health outcomes for participants. The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Helper educates and supports women prenatally and postpartum regarding breastfeeding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED)

• At least six months of personal breastfeeding experience

• Familiarity with the WIC program

• Must have a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and remain insurable in accordance with the district’s insurance policy.

• Must sign and abide by the agency’s nicotine-free hiring policy.

• Must successfully pass a drug screen and background check.

Professional Attitude

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Willingness to expand one’s knowledge base

• Willingness to participate in performance management, quality improvement, workforce development, and strategic planning efforts

• Willingness to participate in agency-wide initiatives beyond WIC programming

• Willingness to assist clients independent of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and/or socioeconomic status.

Essential Duties

1.  Provides breastfeeding education/counseling in a manner that is sensitive to the participant’s personal and cultural values and norms.

2.  Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques and additional behavior change theories to assist participants in reaching their personal goals.

3.  Participates in community breastfeeding initiatives.

4.  Assists in the development of clinic goals and objectives relating to breastfeeding.

5.  Refers questions and concerns outside of scope of practice to appropriate health professionals.

6.  Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

7.  Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

8.  Attends meetings, seminars, and conferences, and other job-related training sessions.

9.  Represents agency in the community.

10.  Responds to public health emergencies (man-made or natural disasters) or acts of terrorism in accordance with local, state and national response plans using the incident command system.

11.  Regular, punctual attendance.

12.  Performs any and all other related duties as assigned or directed in order to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Tuscarawas County Health Department.