Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Description:

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) months 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 Peer Counselor Training Course within 3 months of hire date.
• Completion of all required WIC modules during the probationary period.

Notes to Applicants
Position Overview

The BFPC provides breastfeeding counseling (in person and over the phone) for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospital, mobile van) and provides follow up support for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources, to include issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy. Teaches classes and assist with presentations, lead support groups on the advantages of breastfeeding and normal breastfeeding management to clients and staff. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor. Attend meetings and trainings. Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned. Identifies breastfeeding situations which require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals. Prepares breastfeeding motivational or informational bulletin boards as assigned. Performs clerical duties and height and weight measurements as needed. Orders, maintains, cleans and inventory breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy. BFPC’s may support Mom’s Place.

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
$21.63 - $23.79

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 locations. Preferred Qualifications
-Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Teams, etc.
-Bilingual in English and Spanish.
-Ability to travel to more than one work location.
-Able to work outside of normal business hours.
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.

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 for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources including issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy. Teaches classes and assists with presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management to clients and staff. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor. Attends required trainings and meetings. Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned. Identifies breastfeeding situations that require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals. Performs clerical duties and height and weight measurements as needed. Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None
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 techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, City, and Local policies and regulations that pertain to WIC services.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
• Skill in providing breastfeeding management and excellent customer service and support.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, organizing, and prioritizing
• Skill in following written and oral instructions.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely with others.
• Ability to work with and relate to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency.
• 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 the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor require: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) months 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. Do you meet these qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires completion of Peer Counselor Training Course within 3 months of hire date and completion of all WIC modules during the probationary period. Can you meet this requirement?

• 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 high risk areas, applicants applying for this position must comply with the departments immunization policy as a condition of employment. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes, I will comply to the vaccinations required by the APH department
• No, I cannot meet this requirement

* Please describe your computer skills.
(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.

* Briefly explain your Customer Service experience.
(Open Ended Question)
* 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