WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PRN)

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Department

Job Summary

Under general supervision, a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Essential Functions:

• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns. (40%)
• Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants via various channels, including phone calls, text messaging, clinic visits, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC agency. (25%)
• Receives a caseload of pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants and makes routine periodic contacts as outlined in the WIC Program Policies and Procedures. (10%)
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants. (10%)
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to appropriate resources: WIC BFPC Coordinator, High Risk Counselor, Educator Advanced Lactation Credentials, lactation consultants, health care providers, public health programs in the community, or social service agencies. (5%)
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate. (5%)
• Assists in training new WIC and BFPC staff. (5%)
• May be available outside usual 8 to 5 working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. (0%)

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• less than 1 year Has breastfed at least one baby for at least 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding). Required

Licenses:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are preferred.
• Ability to provide services to the assigned caseload and complete paperwork within time limits.
• Ability to complete WIC and breastfeeding information modules.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Shift

Work Type

Salary

Benefits

• Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%

• On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes

• Community resource navigation support

• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

• Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching

Our Values

• Respect

• Belonging

• Accountability

• Transparency

All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community.

Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.