CCI Health Services empowers patients to partner with staff for an unparalleled healthcare experience. We deliver high quality, affordable, care to every patient during all stages of life providing services to the medically under-served at 14 sites in Montgomery and northern Prince George's counties. Our services include primary care, behavioral health, dental, adolescent health, HIV and infectious disease testing and treatment, prenatal, and family planning. CCI Health Services is also the largest provider of WIC services in the State of Maryland.
The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (will provide breastfeeding information and support to WIC prenatal and postpartum participants to assist in their breastfeeding experience. The BFPC will assist with the delivery of WIC services at the CCI site to assure that the provision of high quality, cost efficient, culturally sensitive services comply with all Federal, State, and local agency policies and procedures.
TRAINING
- Attends breastfeeding trainings, monthly breastfeeding meetings, and clinic staff meetings.
- Observes other peer counselors or breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
- Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding
KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides breastfeeding information and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants, including telling participants about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
- Assists participants with preventing and handling common breastfeeding concerns.
- Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in the clinic at designated scheduled intervals following the Loving Support Through Peer Counseling model
- Assists with planning and facilitating breastfeeding classes.
- Provides breastfeeding classes to other programs when needed.
- Serves as the clinic advocate for breastfeeding, as observed by the Manager.
- Issues breast pumps following agency protocols for mothers who are separated from their babies or who are experiencing breastfeeding problems, making appropriate referrals when more complex problems occur.
- Appropriately documents breast pumps and other breastfeeding aids upon issuance.
- Provides referrals, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
- WIC Nutritionist
- Breastfeeding Services Manager or Lactation Consultant
- Mothers' Physician
- Programs in the community
- Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with the participants daily using the WOW system.
- Promotes a breastfeeding friendly clinic by having bulletin boards with breastfeeding pictures and having breastfeeding materials available for participants.
- Respects each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential
QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a High School Diploma or GED
- MUST have at least one year of relevant work experience, preferably in a medical setting or an equivalent combination of training and experience to perform office routines and clerical support functions
- Some customer service required
- Must have breastfed at least 6 months
- Must have some previous experience with WIC as a staff or participant
- Some computer skills required
Founded in 1972, CCI Health Services is a diverse and inclusive workplace grounded in community. Located in the Washington, DC Metro Area, each year CCI cares for more than 60,000 individuals in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. As a non-profit, CCI is committed to improving health equity through the provision of affordable primary care for all, across all stages of life. Visit ccicares.org for more information.
