Peer Counselor I

General Description

Performs basic (entry-level) community counseling work sharing previous experiences relating to the department's program. Provides basic counseling, education and assistance to participants of the program. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Examples of Work Performed

Promotes team culture that recognizes, understands, and respects each client's point of view, experiences, and preferences.

Provides peer counseling and consultation to individual program participants, families, and/or team staff.

Assists in promoting community services and/or counseling to the general public.

Ensures accurate, timely, and complete documentation and subsequent data entry when required.

Actively participates in the daily check-in meetings, weekly staff meetings, monthly case conferences and all agency staff meetings and trainings.

May confers with physicians, nutritionists and nurses regarding the health of clients and their children.

Monitors counseling centers to ensure the environment is conducive to promotion of the specified programs needs.

Assesses participants problems and provides appropriate referrals.

Uses appropriate counseling techniques/protocols in responding to a variety of culture and family situations.

Depending in program assigned, may provide counseling and education to pregnant and breastfeeding women to encourage initiation and increased lactation during breastfeeding.

Performs all other related duties as assigned or required by the department.

Education and Experience

Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED).

Have successfully breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.

Must be from the target population and able to be trained to be a paraprofessional.

Shall have the ability to work outside regular clinic hours and outside the WIC Clinic.

Are not required to be licensed or be a credentialed health professional such as; International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Dietitian (RD), or nurse.

Certificates, Licenses and Registration:

May require certifications in various fields depending on department assigned; if hired by the WIC department, may require a lactation certificate and other continuing education.

Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license.

Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend English and Spanish language.

Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages.

Well organized and detail oriented.

Ability to understand and adhere to confidentiality laws and expectations.

Ability to follow directions from a supervisor.

Ability to follow department's policies and procedures.

Must have transportation and telephone availability.

Skills and competence to establish supportive, trusting relationships and respect for participants' right to self-determination and their personal preferences.

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01

Did you graduate from a high school or obtain an equivalent (GED)?

• Yes

• No

02

Have you successfully breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby?

• Yes

• No

03

Are you from the target population and able to be trained to be a paraprofessional?

• Yes

• No

04

Do you have the ability to work outside regular clinic hours and outside the WIC Clinic?

• Yes

• No

05

Are you an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Dietitian (RD), or nurse?

• Yes

• No

Required Question

Agency Hidalgo County

Address 505 S. McColl Rd., Suite A

Edinburg, Texas, 78539

Phone 956-318-2660

Website https://www.hidalgocounty.us/