WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
- Summary
Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a qualified WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to help WIC mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding by providing basic evidence-supported information, encouragement, support, and by addressing barriers to breastfeeding. Peer Counselors reinforce breastfeeding recommendations in a socially and culturally appropriate context, and promote breastfeeding as an important element in the health development of the mother and baby. The incumbent will work with clients individually or in a group setting, utilizing client-centered skills and following the USDA's Loving Support Model. Prior experience breastfeeding exclusively for a period of at least six months for at least one infant is required.
WHO WE ARE: As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations' history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all of our residents, regardless of their race or income. All of these qualities make this King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
WHO MAY APPLY: This Career Service position is open to all qualified applicants. Public Health- Seattle & King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
WORK SCHEDULE: This recruitment will be used to fill two positions, at Renton and Northshore Public Health Centers.- The Renton position will be 30 hours per week, serving primarily South King County.
- The Northshore position will be 20 hours per week, serving primarily North King County.
APPLICATION PROCESS: The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:- NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application
- Cover letter which details how you meet or exceed the qualifications.
- Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application.
- Attach multiple documents/files in the resume/attachment section.
- Job Duties
- Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding among WIC participants.
- Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement, address concerns and establish rapport with assigned clients.
- Provide individual or group counseling for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved resources.
- Address issues clients are most concerned about, help clients explore their barriers and visualize how breastfeeding can work for them.
- Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of feeding among WIC participants, and as an important element in the health development of mother and baby;
- Provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement, utilizing client-centered skills and following the USDA's Loving Support Model;
- Establish rapport and address breastfeeding concerns with assigned clients;
- Provide individual or group counseling for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved resources;
- Refer clients for more intensive breastfeeding assistance when indicated, per established protocols and approved resources;
- Address issues clients are most concerned about;
- Help clients explore barriers to a successful breastfeeding experience;
- Assist clients in visualizing how breastfeeding can work for them;
- Maintain accurate records and chart notes of all client contacts;
- Follow agency procedures for making referrals and reporting child safety concerns.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Previous personal breastfeeding experience of at least one infant exclusively for a minimum of six months
- Knowledge of basic breastfeeding methods and management of common problems
- Knowledge of basic breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling techniques
- Ability to maintain client confidentiality
- Ability to successfully demonstrate effective and professional cross cultural communication skills in person and in writing
- Ability to adapt and adjust to needs of diverse clients
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Ability to use computers and software programs necessary to the position
- Or any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Experience working with diverse populations
- Current or past participation in the WIC program is preferred
Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements- Valid Washington State Driver's License
- Completion of the "Loving Support" Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Training Program within one month of hire
- Some licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required
- Supplemental Information
- The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring
- Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
- Applicants should be committed to working with diverse populations throughout King County to provide excellent customer service to a broad range of cultures, in accordance with the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan. This position supports and advances King County's values for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, effective and efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance, and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.
SELECTION PROCESS: Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications. Candidates presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications noted above may be invited to participate in a test, hands-on exercise and/or panel interview process.
UNION AFFILIATION: This position is not represented.
CONTACT: For questions about this recruitment, please email Angela Brown, Human Resource Analyst at abrown@kingcounty.gov.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.