Optimus Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Care Center with sites operating in Bridgeport, Stamford and Stratford, CT. We are the largest provider of primary health care services in Fairfield County, proudly serving all patients regardless of their income, race, or insurance status.

We are presently recruiting for a part-time, 16 hours per week, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to join our Bridgeport WIC team. WIC Participant experience helpful. This position is 100% grant funded.

POSITION SUMMARY: A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers participating in the WIC Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor
• Recruit and maintain a minimum caseload of eight WIC mothers per delivery month and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns
• Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the WIC Program, by telephone and in person at predetermined scheduled intervals
• Assists new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems outside of the WIC office and the usual working schedule
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to: • Breastfeeding coordinator or WIC nutritionist
• Lactation consultant
• Mother’s physician or nurse
• Public health programs in the community
• Social service agencies
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding/mothers support groups
• Attends monthly staff meetings, breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate, and mandatory WIC Statewide meetings
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• Assists WIC Program staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Professional positive attitude, vision, understanding of customer service principals, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills to successfully accomplish tasks necessary to meet high standards of ethical and social responsibility required by this position.

To be part of our organization, every employee should share in Optimus’ Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values-outstanding, patient-centered, trustworthy, integrity, multicultural, understanding and supportive -help guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: High school diploma/GED

EXPERIENCE: Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding). Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience. WIC Participant Preferred

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Basic mathematics

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to de-escalate and/or reason with irate participants. . Uses judgment when scheduling WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers for appointments at the WIC office.

All employees of Optimus Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject only to the limited exemptions required by law.

Working for Optimus:

OHC provides a fun, fast-paced working environment, where our commitment to quality is present in every job function.
Optimus and its caring, multilingual staff proudly serve our community in a patient-centered environment.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer