Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

JOB SUMMARY:

Peer Counselor provides basic breastfeeding information, encouragement and support to WIC participants and performs within the Peer Counselor Scope of Practice while following the WIC Program policies and procedures. They teach basic, evidence-based techniques that help ensure a successful start in breastfeeding, work within the policies and procedures of the WIC Program, and maintain records according to legal requirements and ethical practices. Participation in required training by the North Carolina Community Nutrition Services Section is needed. Responsibilities also include issuing eWIC cards to clients, providing low-risk nutrition education and information on accessing benefits from local eWIC vendors, taking anthropometric measurements, and performing blood collection (Hemoglobin) following WIC Program federal and state guidelines.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Applicants must be a mother who is currently breastfeeding or has breastfed, possess a similar sociocultural background as the women they support, and have the ability to communicate effectively and courteously with clients and co-workers. They must provide courteous and respectful customer service, interpret changes in rules and regulations pertaining to the WIC Program, and pay attention to details while being able to multi-task. The ability to work face-to-face and by telephone with a culturally diverse, high-risk population of low income pregnant and breastfeeding women and young infants is necessary, along with computer skills. A high school diploma or equivalent with one year of general clerical/computer experience is required, with additional clerical and mathematical courses preferred.

Key requirements for any position are our “Core Values”:

• Courtesy
• Respect
• Quality
• Accessibility
• Teamwork
• Continuous Improvement

Lincoln Community Health Center, Inc. (LCHC) provides comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to our patients regardless of ability to pay. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we serve all members of our community, including low income, uninsured patients and diverse communities. We screen potential employees to ensure alignment with our key requirements followed by the requisite position skill set.

Understanding that each individual is unique and recognizing our individual differences is essential, and we believe that diversity and inclusion are critical in promoting our commitment to serving the Durham community.