Responsible for scheduling, assessing, screening, counseling, and training WIC applicants (specifically dads) and the local community on matters pertaining to breastfeeding, the WIC Program, and maternal and infant nutrition, health and safety.
SCOPE:
• Greets and assists clients (specifically dads) as needed.
• Provides breastfeeding counseling, education, and in-service.
• Provides information and promotes breastfeeding among WIC dads.
• Performs screening procedures, outreach activities, and computer-oriented tasks.
• Provides information and promotes breastfeeding at health fairs or appropriate community events.
• Counsel fathers on a one-on-one basis.
• Performs various duties assigned.
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Interviews WIC dads, gathers information, and answers breastfeeding questions from the public.
• Promote maternal health and wellness to WIC fathers, and coach them in serving as champions to support the health and wellbeing of pregnant and postpartum women during and between pregnancies.
• Presents dads specific ideas on how to care for their babies.
• Teach classes or lead support groups on the advantages of breastfeeding and the role of fathers in supporting breastfeeding and maternal and infant nutrition, health and safety.
• Completes breastfeeding assessments.
• Records required information accurately.
• Performs individual breastfeeding counseling (specifically fathers) using motivational interviewing techniques and goal setting.
• Assists Nutritionist in prescribing breastfeeding food packages.
• Works closely with and maintains open communication with other Peer Dads, the Breastfeeding Coordinator and the WIC Director.
• Documents correct Breastfeeding Education.
• Engages WIC fathers, WIC participants, and members of the community in support of breastfeeding and maternal and infant health.
• Maintains training and continuing education requirements including but not limited to the “Loving Support” peer counselor training, WIC Baby Behavior training, Infant Safe Sleep and prevention of SIDS, Interconception Health, Maternal and Infant Safety, and High-Risk Referral Training.
• Maintains a referral system to ensure WIC clinics refer WIC fathers to the Peer Dad Program and its services.
TASK ASSIGNMENTS:
• Networks with other health professionals to promote and support breastfeeding in the community to fathers.
• Refers WIC participants to appropriate health and social service agencies.
• Identifies breastfeeding experiences that require assistance from a breastfeeding peer counselor and make an immediate referral.
• Exhibits basic WIC certification knowledge and comprehension.
• Records results on assessment sheet documenting correct breastfeeding counseling.
• Informs participants of the advantages to breastfeeding and support available.
• Follows approved nutrition education schedule, follows written nutrition education modules, asks questions, reviews main concepts, gives correct answers and uses visual aids.
• Participates in the Quality Assurance breastfeeding self-audit process.
• Attends monthly team/staff meetings and gives peer dad updates or in-service training.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:
Functions as Breastfeeding Peer Dad:
• Teaches classes or leads support groups on the advantages of breastfeeding and the role of fathers in supporting the breastfeeding experience.
• Provides accurate and current breastfeeding information to participants and staff.
• Corrects misinformation and myths, which may prevent a father from encouraging his baby’s mother to breastfeed.
• Advises and trains peer counselors.
• Distributes and shares breastfeeding information to promote breastfeeding in the clinic waiting area.
• Coordinates breastfeeding special events.
• Acts as a breastfeeding information resource.
• Coordinates with others in the community to promote breastfeeding.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM IN THIS POSITION:
• Responds to requests for information and assistance from the community and individuals.
• Provides assistance, education, advice, and referral to resources for those who come to or phone the WIC Program.
• Consults with supervisor on “uncommon requests” and follows his/her recommendation.
• Participates in community health promotion efforts through teaching and counseling community groups.
• Provides appropriate documentation.
• Documents services provided promptly and on correct record forms.
• Records in a clear, concise, objective manner.
• Reviews client files at end of clinic to be sure all recording is complete and signed.
• Communicates clearly; if not bilingual obtains assistance of bilingual staff/interpreting service.
• Has considerable knowledge of the field of nutrition as it relates to paternal and child health.
• Spanish speaking is highly desirable.
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. Must have successfully supported partner with breastfeeding for 6 months and participated in the WIC program.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Demonstrates the following positive performance attributes:
Observes assigned work hours unless other arrangements are made with supervisor. Is punctual. Notifies supervisor in a timely manner (in advance) if must be late or absent. Accrues compensatory time only with advance approval of supervisor. Arranges annual and compensatory leave time in advance with supervisor.
Is adaptable and flexible. Is willing to occasionally work different hours as workload requires. Is able to re-prioritize work as needed. Adapts to handle new and other phases of work when needed. Is receptive to new ideas and methods.
Performs work without needing to be reminded and without close supervision. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Completes work assignments in a timely fashion. Requests instruction when unsure how to proceed. Accepts direction offered by supervisor. Complies with supervisor’s decisions.
Functions as a team member. Does his/her fair share of the team’s workload. Willingly helps other staff members to get the work done. Shows willingness and ability to work in harmony with others and does not let personal differences interfere with getting the job done. Maintains open communication with supervisor and other staff members. Contributes positively to staff morale.
Takes advantage of opportunities to learn at work and on own time. Identifies own learning needs and makes these known to supervisor. Is receptive to and follows through on recommendations made by supervisor for professional development.
Offers suggestions to supervisor for increasing efficiency and for better meeting needs of clients and staff. Demonstrates willingness and ability to cooperatively solve problems with supervisor and co-workers.
Treats all clients with courtesy and without discrimination. Maintains client confidentiality.
Keeps work area clean and tidy and contributes to same in rest of Health District. Utilizes supplies in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Promptly notifies Department Head of problems or concerns regarding supplies and equipment
Maintains personal grooming and appropriate attire for job responsibilities and for contact with the public. Wears name badge when involved with client contact.
May be exposed to communicable diseases.
Must be fully immunized within 90 days of employment and show proof thereof.
Must be able to spend six to eight hours walking and standing and/or sitting.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and stretch to reach files.
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