WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor-Spanish Bilingual

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Health & Human Services Agency. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Current vacancy is with the Health & Human Services Agency located in Visalia.

Typical Duties

Meet with WIC participants in person and via telephone to provide breastfeeding education, counseling, and support; enter appropriate data into Breastfeeding Database and maintain computer files through the Breastfeeding Database application, including making appropriate comments after contacts, making future appointment contacts, and referrals; conduct follow-up calls to participants within WIC policy guidelines; post Breastfeeding Peer Counseling materials at WIC site; utilize WIC Web Information System Exchange (WISE) to identify WIC and BFPC) appointment dates and times, contact prenatal participants, schedule and maintain caseload with continued follow up, documentation and appropriate referrals to BFPC participants; participate in continuing education and attend required trainings; read and become familiar with materials provided in the established WIC Policies and Procedures Manual (WPPM) including revisions; present information and promote the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program to WIC participants during prenatal and postpartum classes, as well as during one-on-one telephone calls, video telehealth calls, and assist in the program enrollment process; issue breast pumps when needed by peer counseling program participants, and follow-up with participants to provide phone counseling when needed; promote participant support groups and activities that encourage and maximize breastfeeding efforts; support the quality improvement and compliance goals of the BFPC Program by ensuring that Tulare County WIC meets the required regulations as defined by the BFPC Program and WIC Policies and Procedures Manual (WPPM).Attend and actively participate in all meetings (e.g. department meetings, program meetings, employee staff meetings) and other activities as required or assigned; support the overall needs of the WIC Program and Tulare County Public Health Branch by working flexible or extended hours when assigned; support the needs of the WIC Program by traveling to other WIC clinics and offices; provide help to breastfeeding mothers; assess issues that can impact breastfeeding success; learn to describe problems and symptoms; and learn and apply Baby Behavior, Participant Centered Education (PCE) and other WIC counseling techniques as needed; teach basic breastfeeding to participants and help them when difficulties arise; encourage and support participants to breastfeed; display professionalism in the course of performing duties; identify situations outside the Scope of Practice and refer, as appropriate, in a timely manner; traveling to peer counseling sites to meet with WIC participants and provide peer counselor support, as needed. (This position is a driving position and may require travel to various WIC locations within Tulare County, clinics, and resource centers.)

Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

None

Knowledge of:

Basic computer data-entry; standard office practices, methods, equipment, and procedures; effective communication methods and practices; proper Breastfeeding practices

Skill/Ability to:

Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment; learn and understand WIC WISE system and Breastfeeding Database applications; make appropriate decisions regularly and organize work effectively with supervision; work as a member of a team

Communicate effectively in one-on-one and group education contacts.Positively promoted breastfeeding with participants.Ability to work outside normal business hours as assigned.

Special Requirement:

Participate in WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training (25 hours) within 1 year of hire date; experience with Breastfeeding (including pumping) at least one baby for 6 months. (Personal Experience is required according to the Women, Infants, and Children Policy WPPM #630-12, Authority All State Memorandum (ASM) 04-27 - Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grants/Training)

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Skill/Ability to:

Bilingual, Spanish/English preferred.

Experience:

6 months of customer services experience preferred; interviewing, group/individual nutrition education, or consumer education desirable.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions.

An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER