Breastfeeding Peer Educator

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center (TVHC) is a non-profit community health center committed to enhancing the health and well-being of our community through accessible, high-quality care. We integrate primary care, dental care, WIC support, mental health counseling, community health education, and more.

Overview:

Under the direction of the WIC Program Director and Breastfeeding Supervisor, the Breastfeeding Peer Educator (PE) provides basic breastfeeding education and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Training:

- This individual will be required to attend a series of breastfeeding classes (nursing babies are welcome) which includes a 20-hour competency-based course overseen by the Breastfeeding Supervisor

- Observes other peer educators or lactation consultants helping a mother breastfeed.

- Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.

- Attends required Breastfeeding Peer Educator trainings.

Compensation: $25.02 - $25.34 per hour, depending on experience.

Position Type: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with periodic Saturday hours)

Responsibilities:

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on-site, by telephone, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program as well as according to the postpartum mother’s unique needs if she encounters common breastfeeding concerns.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Accurately completes individual documentation using the Peer Counseling Database (PCDB). Maintains daily logs of all contacts as required by the WIC agency and submitted on a timely basis to Breastfeeding Supervisor. Maintains required minimum monthly caseload
• Assists and/or conducts breastfeeding promotion and support classes, and support groups.
• Contacts prenatal participants from Expected Due Date (EDD) List to assess lactation plans and educational needs and provides appropriate intervention by phone. [Documents contact in PCDB/WIC WISE. Reschedules appointments if appropriate.]
• Respects each client by keeping their information strictly confidential.
• Issues electric, personal, and manual breast pumps to postpartum mothers. Counsels lactating mothers on the use and care of all issued equipment, and preparation for return of electric pumps. Records issuance of electric pumps on the Pump Contract and WIC WISE Family Comments. Contacts clients after pump issuance to assess use and follows monthly (by phone or during WIC visit) to determine readiness for equipment return.
• Consults and works with WIC staff as needed for clients’ lactation concerns.
• Attends routine meetings with BF Supervisor, site meetings (one/month), and other meetings as assigned as an active participant.
• Monitors length of counseling sessions so that clinic flow and caseload management is not delayed.
• Assists WIC Program Director and Breastfeeding Supervisor in other duties as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and expectations required of the position.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Bilingualism in English and Spanish is required
• Has exclusively breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding) for at least 6 months enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Can communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Has the ability to travel to designated locations.

Qualifications:

• Preference for bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish
• Familiarity with HIPAA confidentiality and privacy regulations, with a demonstrated ability to implement them in a work environment
• Knowledge of appropriate breastfeeding practices for women
• Understanding of counseling principles, as well as interviewing and intervention techniques
• Basic knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and preventive healthcare
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, showcasing the ability to interact congenially with parents, children, clinic staff, providers, and community referral representatives
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask in a fast-paced and p