Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack County

Description

About Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM):

The Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. (CAPBM) is a cornerstone of community development and support, dedicated to fostering independence and resilience in families and individuals. Our programs serve as vital resources to empower families, prepare children for future success, and enrich the lives of those in our community.

What It’s Like to Work Here:

Working at CAPBM means being part of a team passionate about making a difference. Our supportive, inclusive environment encourages professional growth and personal fulfillment. Employees are empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise to strengthen our programs and enhance the lives of the individuals and families we serve. We value dedication, adaptability, and a shared commitment to community well-being. Every day offers the chance to contribute to impactful solutions and work alongside like-minded professionals who care deeply about their community.

A Day in the Life as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor:

As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, you’ll be responsible for providing in-person basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Your day will involve:

• Provides information, benefits, and reasons to breastfeed to pregnant and post-partum women in accordance with Agency policies and procedures and the USDA Breastfeeding Training Curriculum and counsels WIC prenatal and breastfeeding women at WIC clinics through face-to face counseling, telephone support, or through breastfeeding classes and support groups
• Adheres to WIC USDA Breastfeeding Training Curriculum and NH Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program requirements and refers breastfeeding problems, questions or concerns that are beyond existing level of knowledge, scope of practice or require immediate attention to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Coordinator (DBE) or nutritionist who is a CLC. Refers mothers to the local agency breastfeeding coordinator, DBE, lactation consultant, health care provider, or other community support program, according to local agency protocol and scope of practice.
• Oversees a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine contact with all participants assigned by local agency Breastfeeding Coordinator and gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including discussing the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and how to establish early successful breastfeeding. Also helps women prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns within scope of practice.
• Attends clinics to provide in-person services to assist participants with breastfeeding needs as well as contacting participants by phone on days not scheduled for clinics.
• Contacts postpartum women electing to breastfeed after delivery by phone or by office appointment to assist in breastfeeding initiating questions and concerns, provide information and support, encourage the continuance of breastfeeding and to respond to any breastfeeding concerns or problems and arranges follow-up contacts in accordance with schedule outlined in the NH Policy and Procedure Manual and as needed and indicated by WIC participants to provide necessary support and information to encourage a successful breastfeeding experience.
• Maintains accurate records of all contacts and completes weekly activity worksheets documenting paper record information into the StarLINC System for WIC in a timely manner.
• Will attend required Agency meetings with supervisor and other peers, WIC BFPC monthly staff meetings, as scheduled, and required in person clinic days. Attends state sponsored breastfeeding peer counseling meetings, special conferences or in-services on breastfeeding to increase knowledge and skills.

Your role will directly contribute to a positive participant experience as you support families in the community!

Requirements

Qualifications to Be a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor;

To excel in this role, you’ll need:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalency credential required.
• Experience: Six months of related experience. Currently or has been a successful breastfeeding mother that has participated in the WIC program.
• Skills: Ability to use computer and office software applications.
• Characteristics: Ability to work independently outside of the WIC clinic setting.
• Technical: Ability to provide peer counseling activities in a courteous, professional, and non-judgmental manner.

Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.

Ready to Apply?

If this job sounds like a fit for you, click to apply. We’d love to hear from you! Together, we can empower communities and enrich lives.

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.