Breastfeeding Counselor - Beacon Health System

Reports to the Assistant Manager, WIC and works under the guidance of the Breastfeeding Coordinator. Offers support and encouragement to pregnant or breast-feeding mothers and maintains confidentiality. Provides accurate information about breast-feeding, establishes amicable relationships with mothers, assists in finding answers to their questions and allays their doubts and fears about breast-feeding. Receives referrals from WIC Nutritionists and/or Nurses.

This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Provides accurate verbal and written information about breast-feeding in accordance with established guidelines and consistent with WIC Peer Counselor training and approved resources by:

• Making follow-up phone calls to discuss clients' particular needs for information.
• Scheduling second contacts for breast-feeding clients as required, conducting home visits as necessary at the convenience of the client.
• Conducting breast-feeding classes, serving as a resource to other WIC associates and referring complicated or unusual questions and/or situations to the appropriate health professional.
• Consistently promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the norm for mothers and infants and encouraging the duration of breastfeeding.

Maintains accurate records and reports in accordance with established guidelines and procedures by:

• Keeping records, written in ink, of all breast-feeding contacts and activities.
• Updating client e-charts with breastfeeding contacts.
• Preparing monthly report form per established schedule, listing all time spent in peer counselor activities and client contacts, detailing names of clients contacted, numbers of clients attending breast-feeding classes, and/or expenses.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently or have been a breast-feeding mother and a current or former WIC client. The ability to speak and write Spanish desired.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of activities involving breast-feeding.
• Requires ability to successfully complete WIC Peer Counselor training.
• Requires a thorough understanding of community services, programs and resources available to assist clients.
• Requires basic knowledge of computer systems and applications and mathematical/analytical skills to perform various computations and prepare monthly reports.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, necessary to interact effectively with diverse populations and program staff. Also demonstrates sensitivity and diplomacy in working with socially disadvantaged clients.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office/clinic environment.
• Requires reliable means of transportation to make home and hospital visits as required.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.

PI256617442