WIC-Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

About US:

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

About the Role:

The WIC-Breastfeeding Peer Counselor plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging breastfeeding among participants of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Florissant, MO. This position focuses on providing empathetic, culturally sensitive guidance and education to new and expectant mothers to promote successful breastfeeding practices. The counselor serves as a trusted resource, offering practical advice, emotional support, and referrals to additional healthcare services as needed. By fostering a positive breastfeeding experience, the role contributes to improved maternal and infant health outcomes within the community. Ultimately, the peer counselor helps to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, aligning with public health goals and WIC program objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current or previous experience as a breastfeeding mother or equivalent personal breastfeeding experience.
• Completion of a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor training program or equivalent certification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively support and educate diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in client interactions.
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education in health or social services is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within the WIC program or similar public health initiatives.
• Bilingual abilities, particularly in Spanish, to better serve the local community.
• Background in maternal and child health, lactation consulting, or related fields.
• Familiarity with community resources and healthcare systems in Florissant, MO.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records and data management systems.
• Must have breastfed to be qualified for the role.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one breastfeeding support and counseling to WIC participants, addressing concerns and challenges in a compassionate manner.
• Conduct educational sessions and outreach activities to promote breastfeeding benefits and techniques within the community.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, WIC staff, and community organizations to coordinate care and resources for breastfeeding mothers.
• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions, progress, and referrals in compliance with WIC program guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with breastfeeding best practices and WIC policies.

Skills:

The required skills enable the peer counselor to build trusting relationships with mothers by actively listening and providing empathetic support tailored to individual needs. Effective communication skills are essential for delivering clear, culturally appropriate breastfeeding education and for collaborating with healthcare professionals and community partners. Organizational skills are used daily to document participant progress and manage referrals accurately, ensuring continuity of care. Preferred skills such as bilingual communication enhance the counselor's ability to reach a broader demographic, improving accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, proficiency with data systems supports efficient record-keeping and reporting, which are critical for program evaluation and compliance.