WNA / Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Overview

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties has a full-time opportunity for a WNA/Breast-Feeding Peer Counselor in Santa Ana, CA.

The WNA/ Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is responsible for supporting all functions in the delivery of WIC nutritional services as a Nutrition Assistant II and breastfeeding support as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. The primary focus is to promote breastfeeding and increase breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration rates among WIC participants and serve as a resource for referrals for other health, social, and community services.

At PPOSBC, we understand the importance of a well-rounded benefits program and are dedicated to providing you with unique benefits that meet the needs of you and your family. We are proud to offer a range of plans that help protect you in the case of illness or injury including:

• A competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents, life insurance, and long term disability. 
• Benefits coverage starts after one full month of employment!
• Generous vacation, sick, and holiday benefits!
• Generous 401(k) matching contributions and more!
• To view our detailed benefits guide, please visit our career site at www.pposbccareers.org

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to relate to diverse communities.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to read and implement written instructions.
• Past or present breast-feeding experience.
• Possess a warm, caring manner.
• Professional appearance and attitude.

Licensure and/or Certification Requirements:

• WNA Certificate preferred

Minimum Education:

• Highschool Diploma
• AA degree with nutrition classes or equivalent experience as a WIC Nutrition Aide preferred.

Minimum Work Experience:

• Previous experience working with WIC program highly
• Enthusiastic about breastfeeding
• Knowledge of WIC program

Language Requirements/Preference:

• Bilingual required. Depending on WIC clinic needs, they must be fluent in English and Spanish.

Agency Standard Requirements:

• Strong commitment to quality healthcare and excellent customer service is required.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced, rigorous environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Must demonstrate high-level computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Electronic medical records experience may also be required.
• This position may require travel to other sites and locations; if using a personal vehicle to meet this requirement, a valid CA driver’s license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of CA vehicle code are required.
• Willing to travel within California for State-sponsored training.
• Available to work flexible hours

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: Essential functions encompass the required tasks, duties, and responsibilities performed as part of the job and the reason the job exists.

• Successfully complete and pass the training for the WICWISE and Peer counseling databases.
• Successfully complete the breastfeeding training to become a peer counselor.
• Provide quality breastfeeding guidance and education to all pregnant and breastfeeding families on-site, by phone, or virtually at scheduled intervals determined by the WIC and Peer Counseling Program.
• Certify WIC clients by obtaining and accurately recording height/weight measurements, dietary intakes, and other necessary medical and /or nutritional information. Assist in all prenatal, infant, and child enrollments and follow-up as needed.
• Provide assessment and enrollment of clients into the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program, according to program policy and procedures.
• Contact assigned client caseload according to program policy and procedure.
• Documents necessary information and follow-up in the Peer Counselor Database and WICWISE according to program policy and procedure.
• Facilitate, attend, and assist with prenatal and postpartum classes, including breastfeeding support groups.
• Refer mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the:
• IBCLC
• WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator.
• The mother’s physician or nurse.
• Public health programs in the community.
• Social service agencies
• Serve as an ambassador of the program to pregnant and breastfeeding women and community partners, including hospitals and breastfeeding coalitions.
• Assure that there is enthusiasm for continuous improvement and creativity in the learner-centered and family-centered classes.
• Attend local agency or State-sponsored staff training.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements of this position are identified below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

CORE COMPETENCIES – WE CARE:

• Welcoming: Anticipates customer requirements and gives high priority to customer satisfaction and service.  Handles problems quickly and efficiently.  Maintains a pleasant, positive and professional approach. Embraces opportunities to help team members, stakeholders, and other departments.
• Equitable: Creating equitable access and opportunity for all through education, practicing inclusive behavior, elevating others’ voices, creating spaces for honest conversation, and listening without judgment.  Values and uplifts our collective diversity within in our agency.
• Confidential: Respects the information shared by our patients, employees, and vendors and maintains appropriate confidentiality.  Follows all policies and laws that protect private & privileged information.
• Accessible: Is available and approachable to others, open-minded, fair and non-defensive.  Appreciates constructive feedback and is a team player.  Demonstrates good listening skills.
• Respectful:  Values diversity and treats everyone with dignity and courtesy.  Dependable and courteous of other people’s time and commitments.
• Empathetic: Demonstrates interest and understanding in other people’s feelings, attitudes and reasoning.  Maintains an open and non-judgmental demeanor that is patient, flexible, and understanding.

Disclosures

Planned Parenthood/Orange and San Bernardino Counties is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, equal pay, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military, veteran status or any other federal or state protected class. We are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Minimum Salary Range

USD $23.50/Hr.

Maximum Salary Range

Compensation: 23.5 to N/A (USD)