Outreach Worker/ Peer Counselor

Job Description

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the supervision of the Project Director, and Coordinator in Women's Services Department, a peer counselor is a community women who has personal experience breastfeeding and is trained to provide basic breastfeeding information and support to pregnant women and new mothers who are enrolled in a New Haven WIC site with whom the peer shares various characteristics, such as language, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Through telephone and in person contacts, the peer counselor is responsible to encourage and provide knowledgeable assistance within the designated scope of practice to help in the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. The peer counselor attends outreach events to promote breastfeeding and program services.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• 1. Processes client records appropriately in compliance with YNHH standards and WIC Peer Counseling Program protocols and reporting requirements. Document all client interactions in the YNHH electronic medical records and in CT WIC in a through and accurate manner.
• 1.1 Engages and establishes rapport with pregnant and breastfeeding women who receive WIC services to provide support, education, and breastfeeding management in homes, WIC, and clinical settings.
• 2. Processes client records appropriately and assists in compilation of pragmatic statistical data.
• 2.1 Documents all client interactions in electronic in YNHH medical records, and in CT WIC in a thorough and accurate manner.
• 3. Participates in community health outreach events to promote awareness of breastfeeding.
• 3.1 Participates in hospital and community outreach events including World Breastfeeding Week, Health Fairs, and events that reach the target population.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Prior experience breastfeeding a child, 4-6 months exclusive breastfeeding preferred. Must be a current or recent WIC participant. Community outreach and/ or customer service experience preferred. Computer literacy required.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. Due to home visiting and outreach component, must have access to transportation and valid driver's license. Interest and ability to learn technical information about breastfeeding benefits and management. Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Bilingual preferred.

Additional Information

High School Diploma or equivalent. Personal experience breastfeeding or pumping for a child for at least 4-6 months. Computer literacy required.

This is co-terminus with funding.