Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health in the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to join the WIC Program. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is responsible for providing individual in-person, telephone, and telehealth counseling (including texting, email, and/or video communications), along with leading group educational classes about breastfeeding for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Treat each participant with respect, warmth, and kindness. Always keep in mind that the decision to breastfeed is an individual one and that each person has a unique experience with unique needs.
  
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all contacts and WIC records.
• Attend work, meetings, and training at scheduled times.
• Submit an accurate timesheet to the Peer Counselor Coordinator on the date required.
• Adhere to State of Maryland WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program policies and procedures.
• Follow designated breastfeeding peer counselor protocol guidelines.
• Provide breastfeeding counseling to WIC pregnant parents and breastfeeding parents and families by telephone, telehealth, in-person at clinic appointments, during group classes and/or support groups at scheduled intervals as per WIC policy and as determined by the local agency Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants utilizing approved WIC materials.
• Provide assistance in facilitating successful breastfeeding and help in handling and preventing common breastfeeding problems.
• Document and maintain accurate records in the information system.
• Refer any questions or concerns beyond normal breastfeeding and the scope of the peer counselor as identified during new peer counselor training to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator, IBCLC, or the local agency WIC DBE or other identified staff as appropriate.
• Follow State, WIC, local agency, and any other facility rules and regulations.
• Attend employee orientation that may be required by these facilities.
• Assist local agency in the promotion and support of breastfeeding through breastfeeding month activities, special projects and duties, as assigned.
• Participates in continuing education related to lactation.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent, with some college courses preferred.
• Some related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exclusively breastfed at least one child for a minimum of 3 months (and preferentially 6 months or longer).
• Enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers have a positive and successful breastfeeding experience.
• Communicates clearly, consistently documents contacts, and maintains accurate records.
• Fluent in English (and Spanish preferred).
• High school diploma or GED.
• Performs basic computer skills.
• Excellent time management, communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Experience working with multi-cultural and special needs population.
• Ability to provide excellent participant excellent participant centered customer service; ability to prioritize work assignments; proficient in Microsoft word.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must be willing to travel to various sites; perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or program coordinator.

 

 

Classified Title: Research Program Assistant 
Working Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB  
Starting Salary Range:  
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:30a-5p 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health 
Department name: ​​​​​​​PFRH WIC Project 
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/

 

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equiv