City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Senior

Under general supervision, this position promotes and encourages breastfeeding through individual counseling and/or nutrition classes. 

1. Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with the training of breastfeeding peer counselors in accordance with the Local and State policies.
2. Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator in quality assurance activities including but not limited to: observation of peer counselors while counseling participants and teaching group breastfeeding classes; evaluation of record documentation, pump issuance, and inventories of pumps and supplies; and development and implementation of corrective action plans.
3. Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with reports, inventories and distribution of breast pumps, breastfeeding aids and other breastfeeding materials for all WIC clinics.
4. Provides client care as appropriate within the scope of practice guidelines for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
5. Provides breastfeeding counseling, in person or over the phone, for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospitals, mobile van) and provides follow-up support and appropriate referrals for lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources to include breast pump education, issuance of breast pumps, and providing instructions according to policy.
6. Teaches classes and facilitates presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management.
7. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor.
8. Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling and training techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, City, and Local policies and regulations that pertain to WIC services, breastfeeding, and lactation consultation.
• Skill in providing breastfeeding management and excellent customer service and support.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, organizing, and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in following written and oral instructions.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely with others.
• Ability to assess current operations on an ongoing basis and implement required changes.
• Ability to use critical thinking and apply cultural sensitivity to interactions with the general public.
• Ability to resolve complex customer complaints.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency.
• Ability to work with and relate to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds; managers; co-workers; and members of the public and professional groups.
• Ability to work outside of regular clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a related field.
• Breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.
• Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals
• Not licensed or credentialed health professionals such as; International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), nurses.

• Completion of certification in Peer Counselor Training course.
• Completion of all required WIC modules during the probationary period.
• Completion of the Lactation Principles and Advanced Lactation Management course or other recognized breastfeeding trainings with similar learning objectives.