WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BFPC) Part-time

The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides essential support to participants of the NATIVE HEALTH Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This paraprofessional role offers culturally responsive breastfeeding education, guidance, and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers. Working under the WIC Supervisor, the counselor promotes positive breastfeeding experiences and improves maternal-infant health outcomes by maintaining knowledge, providing education, managing a caseload, and performing other assigned duties.

Must Have

• Maintain current knowledge on nutrition and breastfeeding.
• Provide foundational breastfeeding education and support to new mothers.
• Receive a caseload of WIC mothers and make routine periodic contacts.
• High school diploma and complete ITCA BFPC training within 90 days.
• Currently breastfeeding or has breastfed a baby for at least one year.
• Be enthusiastic about breastfeeding and helping mothers.
• Be part of the client's culture and speak common languages.
• Participated in or eligible for the WIC program.
• Ability to work at least 10 hours a week with reliable transportation.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and at multiple locations.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Pass criminal background check and obtain Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Pass substance abuse test and submit to random tests.
• Updated Immunization (IZ) record and annual TB skin report.
• Obtain and maintain BLS certification.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Retirement Benefits - Up to 5% Matching Contribution
• Paid Time Off/Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (12)
• Tuition Reimbursement and Educational Leave
• Employee Recognition Program

Company Description

At NATIVE HEALTH, we strive to provide the best health care available for urban American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other individuals who generally experience barriers to health and wellness services.

Mission: To provide accessible holistic patient centered care, to empower our community to achieve the highest quality health and well-being.

Vision: Healthy People in Healthy Communities.

Benefits and Perks Include:

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Retirement Benefits - Up to 5% Matching Contribution
• Paid Time Off/Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (12)
• Tuition Reimbursement and Educational Leave
• Employee Recognition Program

Starting Hourly Pay: $18.70

Additional Work Locations:

• 8800 N. 22nd Ave., 85021
• 777 W. Southern Ave., 85210

Job Description

The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides essential support to participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Serving as a trained paraprofessional, this role offers culturally responsive breastfeeding education, guidance, and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor works under the general supervision of the WIC Supervisor within the Community Health and Wellness Division and plays a key role in promoting positive breastfeeding experiences and improving maternal-infant health outcomes.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Maintains current knowledge on nutrition and breastfeeding by attending classes, conferences, workshops and seminars.

2. Provides foundational breastfeeding education and support to new mothers, including guidance on the benefits of breastfeeding, strategies for overcoming common challenges, and techniques to establish a successful start to breastfeeding.

3. Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.

4. Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of WIC program goals, policies, and procedures, especially those related to breastfeeding promotion and support.

2. Understanding of basic nutrition principles, particularly infants and maternal nutrition.

3. Familiarity with breastfeeding techniques, common challenges, and solutions.

4. Awareness of cultural beliefs and practices related to infant feeding within the community served.

5. Knowledge of community resources that support breastfeeding families.

6. Understanding of confidentiality standards, ethics and professional boundaries.

7. Knowledge of data entry, recordkeeping, and reporting procedures.

8. Skills in interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and motivational interviewing.

9. Ability to educate and counsel clients in a supportive, nonjudgmental manner.

10. Excellent organization and time management skills.

11. High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ability to learn other software applications as needed.

12. Willingness to work independently as part of a team.

13. Ability to adapt to new situations, policies, and procedures.

14. Ability to work at multiple sites and provide coverage of the program when needed.

15. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma and completes the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) competency-based training program on performing the duties of a BFPC within 90 days of hire.

2. Physical: Lifting and carrying up to 30lbs.: bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, kneeling, walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time.

3. Is currently fully breastfeeding and/or has fully breastfed at least one baby for at least one year, is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.

4. Is part of the culture and background of the majority of clients and speaks common languages.

5. Has participated in, is participating in, or would be eligible for the WIC program.

6. Can work at least 10 hours a week and have reliable transportation.

7. Job Location: work will be performed at clinics in the Greater Phoenix area.

8. Must be flexible to work some evenings and weekends.

9. Must be flexible to work at any location as needed, e.g. clinics and outreach.

10. Must be a people-oriented person, positive and ready to take on challenges.

Standard Employment Requirements:

1. Must have a valid and unrestricted Arizona’s driver’s license (within 30 days of hire if applicant is from out of state) with no DUI/DWI or reckless driving convictions in the last five years. No more than two at-fault accidents in the last three years. Must maintain a valid AZ driver's license during employment. Must be insurable by liability auto policy.

2. Must pass a criminal background check with a Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card within 90 days of employment.

3. Must pass a substance abuse test upon employment and submit to a random test during employment.

4. Hours of work vary and are dependent on business need, requirements, workflow, and assignments. Weekend hours may be required.

5. Must have an updated Immunization (IZ) record at time of employment.

6. Must have a current (within 12 months) Tuberculosis (TB) skin report upon employment and provide an annual update.

7. Must obtain BLS certification within (90) calendar days of employment and maintain certification during employment.

Additional Information

complies with all state and federal requirements, including EEOC requirements.