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 provides breastfeeding information, encouragement, and one-on-one nutrition and breastfeeding education, counseling, and assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The counselor supports clients participating in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, with a texting platform serving as the primary mode of communication. Referrals to appropriate support agencies and contacts are made as needed and in accordance with clinic-established protocols.

This position is grant-funded and does not include benefits. It requires working 12 to 16 hours per week, with an anticipated flexible schedule of Monday-Thursday, including a rotation of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Primary responsibilities include providing education and support to clients between the hours of 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Essential Functions

• Provide breastfeeding support and education to new mothers, including information on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Help mothers prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns. (40%)
• Counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants via various communication methods, including phone calls, text messages, clinic visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC agency. (25%)
• Manage a caseload of pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants and make routine periodic contacts as outlined in WIC Program Policies and Procedures. (10%)
• Maintain accurate records of all participant interactions. (10%)
• Refer mothers to appropriate resources such as the WIC BFPC Coordinator, High Risk Counselor, Educators with Advanced Lactation Credentials, Lactation Consultants, Health Care Providers, public health programs, and social service agencies. (5%)
• Attend required meetings and trainings, including monthly staff meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and breastfeeding workshops/conferences. (5%)
• Assist in training new WIC and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor staff. (5%)
• Be available outside of standard business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to support mothers with urgent breastfeeding concerns. (0%)

Education

• High School Diploma or GED - Required

Work Experience

• Must have breastfed at least one baby for a minimum of six months (does not need to be currently breastfeeding) - Required

Licenses

• None required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills - Preferred
• Ability to manage assigned caseload and complete required documentation within deadlines
• Ability to complete all required State WIC training modules, including: Basic Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Participant-Centered Education, Baby Behavior Modules
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize and multitask
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and client needs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in computer use, including Microsoft Office Suite

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.