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Multnomah County

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - LDA - African American Culture KSA

Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204

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Overview

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity. Pay Range:

$26.85 - $32.85 Hourly Department:

Health Department Job Type:

Limited Duration Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt) Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 14, 2025 The Opportunity:

This is a Limited Duration Assignment (LDA). Limited Duration Assignments are expected to last up to two (2) years, but may end sooner. We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are inspired by the mission: we work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone. We uphold the values of Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a program focusing on nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health and diet screening, growth monitoring, and program referrals, as well as providing monthly food benefits for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to 5 years of age. WIC serves families from many different cultural and ethnic traditions, languages, backgrounds and abilities. The program is designed to promote positive health outcomes, strengthen life course nutrition and health, and reduce health disparities in the populations the program serves. The purpose of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program (BFPC) is to provide breastfeeding education and support for WIC mothers and families from pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The goal is to improve the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration among WIC mothers in Multnomah County. A WIC breastfeeding peer counselor is a trained support person who gives breastfeeding information, encouragement, and problem solving to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their families. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor must be a person who is breastfeeding or has fully or mostly breastfed at least one baby preferably through the first year of life or longer in accordance with Oregon WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Policy 716. They meet with mothers during WIC office hours, and are available by telephone during office hours. The position creates a work culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. This is a Limited Duration position, assignment that requires the knowledge and understanding of African American culture, traditions, attitudes, beliefs and history. This is a 0.9 FTE position. As the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, you will: Provide breastfeeding education and support for pregnant and postpartum mothers to prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns in person, over the phone, and texting, using participant-centered techniques

Independently assess strengths and needs of individuals, families, and communities

Conduct assessment and screening of breastfeeding risks, potential tongue tie, infections, assessing milk supply, weight gain and need for cranial-sacral therapy

Collaboratively develop materials and curriculum for groups within State of Oregon guidelines to meet the needs of families served

Lead African American breastfeeding peer counseling groups, as well as non-culturally specific groups for the balance of the position's assigned caseload

Represent the WIC and BFPC programs at community events and organizations

Develop and maintain relationships with Multnomah County Health Department contacts and community organizations, including WIC clinic staff, Community Health Nurses, other Community Health Specialists

Refer WIC participants to community programs and services as appropriate

Use effective time management skills and positive communication

Participate positively in team and all staff meetings and assist in orientation and training of new employees

Diversity and Inclusion:

Multnomah County values difference and supports a culture of dignity and respect for employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees share responsibility for promptly reporting conduct that interferes with a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment. To Qualify:

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless labeled as required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: Equivalent to an associate's degree

(1) to four (4) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position

A valid BLS/ CPR card or the ability to obtain certification within 60 days of hire is required.

This position requires advanced knowledge, skill and ability and has experience working with the Black/African American community. Demonstrates an understanding of the traditions, values and customs of this community. Understands cultural/racial/ethnic factors, including systemic advantage or disadvantage, generational trauma, and any factors related to non-dominant culture affecting community health.

This position requires the incumbent be a person who is breastfeeding or has fully or mostly breastfed at least one baby preferably through the first year of life or longer

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills* : You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills. Knowledge of Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition program

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position. Screening and Evaluation: The Selection Process:

For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: Initial review of minimum qualifications

An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

Consideration of top candidates/interviews

Background, reference, and education checks

Pay Equity:

Pay range is general guidance; actual compensation will be determined in accordance with Oregon Equal Pay Law and factors such as experience and education. Initial offers may be within the listed range. Application Packet Required:

You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed an incomplete application. A completed online application.

A resume that explains all related experience and training.

A Supplemental Questions: Yes or No answers are sufficient.

1. Are you currently, or have you ever been in the WIC program? 2. Have you ever exclusively breastfed one or more children for at least 1 year? 3. Do you have personal or lived experience within the African American/ African Immigrant population? 4. Are you passionate about breastfeeding and providing breastfeeding support? 5. Are you a lactation professional, such as an IBCLC? Note:

The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how they relate to those shown in the overview and To Qualify sections. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine eligibility for an interview. Please check email for messages from the Recruiter; timely responses are important for consideration. Additional Details: Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime. Type: Represented FLSA: Non-Exempt Schedule: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (flexible) Hybrid Telework:

This position is designated as hybrid telework, with remote and in-person work. Residency in Oregon or Washington is required. Onsite location: Rockwood Market Hall Building, 458 SE 185th Ave., Portland, OR 97233. Disaster Service:

Multnomah County employees serve the public during disasters and emergency responses as needed. For more information, see Disaster Service Worker Information. Diversity and Inclusion:

Multnomah County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals for protected veterans. Veterans’ Preference:

Oregon law provides veterans’ preference. See our veterans’ preference page for details. Accommodation:

We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. Contact the recruiter in advance to request assistance. Telecommunications Relay Service is available by dialing 711 for those with hearing or speech impairments. Questions?

Recruiter: Dan Ryan, Email: daniel.ryan@multco.us, Phone: +1 (971) 500-1690 Application information may be used throughout the selection process and is subject to change without notice. Disclaimer: This announcement is a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute a contract. Job Profile:

6047 - Community Health Specialist 2

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