General Description:
A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers.

Qualifications:

• Has breastfed at least one infant for a minimum of 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is a past or current WIC participant.
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience
• Can work up to 25 hours a week.
• Can work from home.
• Has internet access and email address

Supervision:
The breastfeeding peer counselor is supervised by Growing Up Together. Technical Assistance is provided by the South Dakota Department of Health WIC Program Breastfeeding Coordinator and local WIC office.

Specific Duties:

• Follow-up on referrals from local WIC office within a specified timeframe in the Frequency of Contacts document.
• Counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers using Zendesk. Zendesk is an online tracking and communication software that provides the capability to communicate by text, phone, email, and Zoom. May meet in person with participants at local WIC office.
• Counsel non-English speaking participants using an interpreter, if unable to speak the language.
• Update WIC staff regarding contacts with participants.
• Update participant contacts using the WIC programs online software and charting system, SDWIC-IT.
• Provide basic breastfeeding information and support to WIC participants including:

Providing appropriate and evidence-based information to help pregnant women make an informed decision about how to feed their baby.

• Helping overcome common barriers.
• Helping women get a good start with breastfeeding.
• Helping women prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Refer to the training curriculum for guidance on counseling techniques.
• Be available outside usual 8 am to 5 pm office hours including nights and weekends.
• Respect each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants.
• Refer women, according to WIC protocols, to the following:
  • Breastfeeding Specialist
  • Local WIC office health professional, breastfeeding coordinator, Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
  • Community CLC or IBCLC
  • Participant’s physician or nurse
  • Public health programs in the community
  • Social service agencies

• Attend/assist breastfeeding classes and support groups.
• Monitor conversations and answer questions on the virtual help desk.
• Attend meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Participate in annual South Dakota Department of Health HIPAA training.
• Refer to assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by Growing Up Together and the WIC program.
• Actively participate in initial and ongoing training including:

• WIC Breastfeeding Model Components for Peer Counseling.
• Breastfeeding workshops, presentations, and conferences offered by the SD Department of Health WIC Program.
• Observation of other peer counselors, health professionals, or lactation consultants.
• Monthly Zoom meetings.
• Reading assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.