WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Overview

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is excited to announce that we have openings for three (3) WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. This paraprofessional support person gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Other than initial training, this is a fully remote position.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit organization that offers an array of programs that strive to empower individuals, children, and families. Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY, is the most comprehensive human service provider serving the eight counties of Western New York with dozens of programs at 40+ professionally staffed locations. Our programs include comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance including operating 8 food pantries, mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, educational and job readiness services, services to older adults, marriage counseling, immigration and refugee assistance, and a variety of programs that address prevention and treatment of a number of family issues. We strive to provide HOPE for all seasons.

Essential Functions

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
• Receives a caseload of WIC participants, contacts all assigned participants, and keeps accurate records of contacts in the NYWIC Peer Counselor Module.
• Completes timesheets and daily logs and submits these daily to the Breastfeeding Coordinator
• Provides basic breastfeeding information and support. Helps WIC participants prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns. Follows the Peer Counselor Scope of Practice as defined by the USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum and yields to the DBE appropriately as needed.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants in the WIC clinics, by telephone, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals.
• Is available outside the normal WIC clinic hours of 8:45 am to 4:45 pm to respond to WIC participants who have questions or concerns.
• Respects each participant by keeping their information strictly confidential.
• Refers WIC participants to: DBE (Designated Breastfeeding Expert), Breastfeeding Coordinator, Breastfeeding Supervisor, WIC nutritionist, participant’s physician or nurse, community partners or other social service agencies.
• Attends and assists with prenatal breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• May assist in promoting breastfeeding through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings and required Catholic Charities, NYWIC, NYSDOH and CAI trainings as scheduled.
• Complies with Catholic Charities’ Compliance Program, Code of Ethics, laws, regulations, and ethical standards applicable to their position in the WIC program.

• Travels to all sites; transports laptops, computers, and other equipment to sites.
• May have to lift up to 30lbs
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience breastfeeding for at least 12 months. (Does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Available to work 12 hours per week.
• Willing to make phone calls from home as needed.

What We Offer

• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• 403b Retirement Plan (Eligible after first pay period) with employer contribution after six months
• Training and development opportunities

Must be a resident of New York State.

Compensation range may vary based on factors including but not limited to skills, education, location, and experience.