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Beacon Health System

Breastfeeding Counselor (WIC)

Beacon Health System, South Bend, Indiana, us, 46626

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Reports to the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator and/or WIC Manager /Coordinator. Responsible for providing basic breastfeeding education and support to all pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients.

This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

MISSION:

We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart. VALUES:

Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion. SERVICE GOALS:

Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team. Provides accurate verbal and written information about breast-feeding in accordance with established guidelines and consistent with WIC Peer Counselor training and approved resources by:

Display a positive reflection of the Indiana WIC program, both in the clinic and through community outreach activities, which may include local Farmers' Market events and collaborations with healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, and other community partners. Develop working relationships with other staff and partnering community agencies. Maintain a compassionate clinic environment that supports the needs of the community. Support and promote breastfeeding as the normative infant feeding method within the clinic environment. Provide all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding clients with evidence-based breastfeeding support and education, within the clinic role's scope of practice. Ensure confidentiality of applicant and client information in accordance with WIC federal regulation. Follow all policies and procedures of the Indiana WIC program. Counsel clients with basic breastfeeding education and support, including anticipatory guidance and addressing common barriers to breastfeeding. Refer clients to appropriate WIC staff and healthcare providers as needed for further assessment. Help clients prevent and handle common breastfeeding problems. Lead and facilitate breastfeeding classes. Participate in in-service education and staff meetings. Attend off-site conferences and meetings as needed or required by the position. Maintains accurate records and reports in accordance with established guidelines and procedures by:

Keeping records, written in ink, of all breast-feeding contacts and activities. Document required information in the Indiana WIC Management Information System (INWIC MIS). Preparing monthly report form per established schedule, listing all time spent in peer counselor activities and client contacts, detailing names of clients contacted, numbers of clients attending breast-feeding classes, and/or expenses. Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared. Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes. Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes. Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year. Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department. Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self. Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. Complies with established organization and department policies. Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required. Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

Leverage innovation everywhere. Cultivate human talent. Embrace performance improvement. Build greatness through accountability. Use information to improve and advance. Communicate clearly and continuously. Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently or have been a breast-feeding mother and a current or former WIC client. The ability to speak and write Spanish desired. Knowledge & Skills

Ability to work independently. Work effectively on a multidisciplinary team. Flexibility during periods of program change. Effective communication, both orally and in writing. Capacity to facilitate discussion to address the needs of individuals. Demonstrate professionalism in a manner consistent with legal and ethical standards including WIC federal regulation. Operate standard office and computer equipment. Utilize Indiana WIC communication services to appropriately serve WIC clients. Working Conditions

Available to work at least 10 hours per week (or more depending on agency needs) Work completed in a fast-paced clinic setting. This may include interaction with the public, exposure to loud noises, and working in close proximity to others. Repetitive motion related to standard office work. Occasional travel between clinics and to required statewide conferences. May be required to communicate with clients outside of normal clinic hours in an environment that promotes client confidentiality. Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.