Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Senior

Job Description:

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Senior

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a related field.
• Breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.
• Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals
• Not licensed or credentialed health professionals such as; International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), nurses.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Completion of certification in Peer Counselor Training course.
• Completion of all required WIC modules during the probationary period.
• Completion of the Lactation Principles and Advanced Lactation Management course or other recognized breastfeeding trainings with similar learning objectives.

Notes to Applicants
Position Overview

This position is to provide lactation services for WIC . This includes developing and maintaining training materials, training professionals and paraprofessionals, providing lactation services to WIC clients, maintaining complete and accurate records of client status and care, compiling data and preparing statistical reports, mentoring health professionals including but not limited to medical and nursing students, residents, dietetic interns, etc., coordinating WIC breastfeeding activities (including media and presentations) with local hospitals, medical providers and community partners, and conducting quality assurance.

APH Information

• This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan .
• Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .

Be a part of Austin Public Health, https://youtu.be/wJgNIc3ivkA .

“The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises”.

Immunization Requirement:

• Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.

Travel:

• If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Grant Funded Position

• This position is grant-funded, meaning its financial support comes from allocated funds that may be modified, reduced, or canceled at the discretion of the City of Austin or the grant provider.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide the job title, employment dates and description of responsibilities for all jobs you wish to be considered.
• The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered, in lieu of a completed City of Austin application.
• Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
• Work experience listed must include month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
• When completing the supplemental questions, please note that your answers must be supported by information contained in your application.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED :

• Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
• All Austin Public Health worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any Austin Public Health worksite - including parking lots, garages, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
• When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.
• This position is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSF ) Program. This program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, paid sick, vacation, and personal time, and a retirement plan.

If you are selected to interview:


Assessments:

• Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of the initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference
• This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED , undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
• A skills assessment may be required.

Electronic Notification to Applications:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.
• Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

Pay Range
$22.22 - $24.77

Hours
Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center
Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

WIC Clinics
Monday - Thursday (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), Friday (7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Job Close Date 05/26/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Health Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Grant Funded Category Professional Location Various. Preferred Qualifications
-Previous experience as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
-Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Teams, etc.
-Previous experience developing and implementing educational encounters and presentations.
-Bilingual in English and Spanish.
-Ability to travel to more than one work location
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with the training of breastfeeding peer counselors in accordance with the Local and State policies. Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator in quality assurance activities including but not limited to: observation of peer counselors while counseling participants and teaching group breastfeeding classes; evaluation of record documentation, pump issuance, and inventories of pumps and supplies; and development and implementation of corrective action plans. Assists Breastfeeding Coordinator with reports, inventories and distribution of breast pumps, breastfeeding aids and other breastfeeding materials for all WIC clinics. Provides client care as appropriate within the scope of practice guidelines for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners ( IBLCE ) Provides breastfeeding counseling, in person or over the phone, for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospitals, mobile van) and provides follow-up support and appropriate referrals for lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources to include breast pump education, issuance of breast pumps, and providing instructions according to policy. Teaches classes and facilitates presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor. Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling and training techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, City, and Local policies and regulations that pertain to WIC services, breastfeeding, and lactation consultation.
• Skill in providing breastfeeding management and excellent customer service and support.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, organizing, and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in following written and oral instructions.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely with others.
• Ability to assess current operations on an ongoing basis and implement required changes.
• Ability to use critical thinking and apply cultural sensitivity to interactions with the general public.
• Ability to resolve complex customer complaints.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency.
• Ability to work with and relate to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds; managers; co-workers; and members of the public and professional groups.
• Ability to work outside of regular clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a related field. Breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby. Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals. Not a licensed or credentialed health professional such as; International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), or nurses. Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check.

* Due to working in a high risk areas, applicants applying for this position must comply with Austin Public Health's immunization policy as a condition of employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I will comply with vaccinations required by APH.
• No, I cannot meet this requirement.

* Please describe your computer skills.
(Open Ended Question)
* Briefly describe your experience in teaching classes, making presentations, and/or use of media.
(Open Ended Question)
* Select the statement that best describes your English/Spanish bilingual skills.

• Speak both English and Spanish fluently.
• Speak some Spanish.
• Understand some Spanish.
• Fluent in English only.
• Fluent in Spanish only.

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout the work day?

• Yes
• No

* Are you able to work outside of Monday-Friday 8am-5pm?

• Yes
• No

* In the prior twelve months have you been employed by, owned any interest in, or been an officer or board member, for any business entity, including a non-profit organization, that is transacting any business with the City of Austin, including a recipient of any contracts, grants, or any funds of any kind from the City of Austin?

• Yes
• No
• Don't know

If you answered yes to the previous question, please explain below.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents Cover Letter