| BFPC I Breast Feeding Peer Counselor | |
| Department: | WIC Marshall |
| Salary: | Health, Dental, Vision Insurance, |
| City/State: | Marshall, Texas |
| Education: | High school or equivalent education required. Must be able to speak, read, and write English. Spanish-speaking preferred. |
| Type: | Full Time |
| Experience: | • Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and problem-solving skills. |
| Work Schedule: | |
| Contact Name: | Amanda Williams |
| Contact Email: | [email protected] |
| Date Posted: | 2026-03-03 | Description |
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| FUNCTION: To assist WIC Program professionals in clinic; to facilitate nutrition education on the advantages of breastfeeding and the management of normal breastfeeding experiences; to counsel breastfeeding/pregnant mothers in the waiting room in person and by telephone; and to maintain inventory, timesheets, and other records associated with breastfeeding. At times, may be required to work outside regular clinic hours at clinic facilities and assigned outreach events. SCOPE: • Discusses breastfeeding with participants in the waiting areas. • Gathers information on pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and dads. • Prepares and maintains documentation on pregnant and breastfeeding WIC families. • Assists WIC staff in counseling participants on breastfeeding issues in person, by phone, or through video chat. • Contributes information for breastfeeding and prenatal reports (ex: phone calls). • Facilitates nutrition education for pregnant and breastfeeding WIC families on breastfeeding topics according to the approved Nutrition Education plan. MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Works primarily in the waiting room where WIC participants are waiting for services. • Provides up-to-date information and promotes breastfeeding among peers. • Initiates breastfeeding contacts with pregnant WIC participants and gathers information. • Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding families on breastfeeding topics. • Supports women who have a normal breastfeeding experience. • Identifies breastfeeding experiences that are not the norm and makes appropriate referrals. • Maintains contact forms to record the number of participants counseled for evaluation purposes. • Submits contact forms and phone call reports to the Administration Office monthly. • Is a positive role model, exhibiting good parenting skills and breastfeeding skills. • Maintains daily breastfeeding equipment inventory at clinic sites. • Completes a monthly Breastfeeding Supply list and submits it to the clinic Supervisor. • Performs outreach in the community each month. • Assists with retrieval and dissemination of breast pumps. • Provides breastfeeding support and education in the community. • Informs WIC participants of the benefits of breastfeeding and assists with breastfeeding concerns and/or problems. • Makes follow-up phone calls to all breastfeeding and pregnant women monthly. • Prepares and distributes prenatal bags, assists participants with nutrition education activities, and stocks breastfeeding literature cabinets. • Maintains a clean and organized workspace. • Maintains adequate written and TXIN documentation for all pregnant and breastfeeding families. • Issues breastfeeding equipment (breast pumps and accessories) and equipment (nursing bras, breast shells, etc.) according to participant needs. • Attends mandatory staff meetings and Peer Counselor meetings monthly. • Completes an online breastfeeding training on non-staff meeting months and sends a trainings summary form to the Administrative office. • Plays an active role in planning and hosting a clinic Breastfeeding Celebration each August. • Keeps supervisor and Breastfeeding Coordinator updated on relevant information. • Uses supplies in a cost-efficient manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES TO PERFORM IN THIS POSITION: • Has received or is currently receiving WIC services. • Exhibits basic computer skills. • Has successfully breastfed at least one baby. • Will complete 20-30 hours of breastfeeding peer counselor training provided by WIC. • Shares enthusiasm concerning breastfeeding. • Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and problem-solving skills. • Ability to reflect a positive image for the WIC Program. • Correctly assesses the need for client referrals. • Effectively communicates with participants and coworkers. • Relates to the cultural and ethnic backgrounds for the participants at the WIC site at which he/she will work. • Has reliable transportation. WORKING CONDITIONS: Demonstrates the following positive performance attributes: • Observes assigned work hours unless other arrangements are made with supervisor. • Is punctual and notifies Supervisor and Breastfeeding Coordinator in a timely manner (in advance) if must be late or absent. • Is adaptable and flexible. • Is willing to occasionally work different hours as workload requires. Is able to re-prioritize work as needed. Adapts to handle new and other phases of work when needed. Is receptive to new ideas and methods. • Performs work without needing to be reminded and without close supervision. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Completes work assignments in a timely fashion. Requests instruction when unsure how to proceed. Accepts direction offered by supervisor. Complies with supervisor’s decisions. • Functions as a team member. Does his/her fair share of the team’s workload. Willingly helps other staff members to get the work done. Shows willingness and ability to work in harmony with others and does not let personal differences interfere with getting the job done. Maintains open communication with supervisor and other staff members. Contributes positively to staff morale. • Takes advantage of opportunities to learn at work and on own time. Identifies own learning needs and makes these known to supervisor. Is receptive to and follows through on recommendations made by supervisor for professional development. • Offers suggestions to supervisor for increasing efficiency and for better meeting needs of clients and staff. Demonstrates willingness and ability to cooperatively solve problems with supervisor and co-workers. • Treats all clients with courtesy and without discrimination. Maintains client confidentiality. • Keeps work area clean and tidy and contributes to same in rest of Health District. Utilizes supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Promptly notifies Department Head of problems or concerns regarding supplies and equipment. • Maintains personal grooming and dress appropriate for job responsibilities and for contact with the public. Wears name badge when involved with client contact. • May be exposed to communicable diseases. • Must be fully immunized within 90 days of employment and show proof thereof. • Must be able to spend six to eight hours walking and standing and/or sitting. • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and stretch to reach files. |
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