Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Days

Position Highlights:

• Sign on bonus: None
• Position: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Full Time
• Hours: 40 hours per week; generally 8 am - 4:30 pm, with ability to be flexible with hours based on patient need
• Required Travel: Occasional travel to partner facilities in Evanston and adjacent communities is required.

What you will need:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification from a recognized Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program preferred at hire. If not certified, must obtain training and certification after hire.
• Has expertise in breastfeeding counseling and management through previous experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor, or through additional lactation training and experience.
• Experience at a hospital or clinic preferred.
• Computer skills required, including Word and Excel.
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding, optimistic, and not easily discouraged.
• Has good customer service skills, relating to persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and communicating in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Is able to communicate effectively, tactfully, and pleasantly with physicians, nurses, patients, patient families, and others.
• Able to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations.
• Has reliable transportation.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Position Overview:

We are currently seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to provide basic breastfeeding information, encouragement, and support to pregnant patients and breastfeeding people who are patients of the Swedish Medical Group and Erie Family Health Centers. This is a full-time position and is benefits eligible. Hours will be scheduled Monday through Friday on the day shift. Occasional travel to partner facilities in Evanston and adjacent communities is required.

General Summary:

As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor you will be accountable for providing high quality, individualized, goal directed lactation care for all levels of patients and their significant others in accordance with the mission, vision and philosophy of Endeavor Health.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrates a commitment to the mission of Endeavor Health and exhibits a service orientation and adheres to all responsibilities and standards of the hospital.

Essential Functions

• Interacts with women individually and/or in groups about infant feeding decisions, and answers basic questions about breastfeeding.

• Informs women of the benefits of breastfeeding, and helps them to overcome common barriers. Topics for education include the following:

Reasons to breastfeed.

Overcoming barriers to breastfeeding.

Colostrum quantity and benefits.

Normal course of breastfeeding.

Positioning and latch.

Skin-to-skin and its benefits.

Maintaining adequate milk production.

Preventing common problems.

Anticipatory guidance for the early days home from the hospital.

Resources for breastfeeding support.

• Evaluates all breastfeeding educational materials for appropriateness and maintains supplies available for patients.
• Asks women if they would like to talk to the Peer Counselor on an individual basis for the remainder of their pregnancy and following the delivery of their infant.
• Coordinates and conducts monthly breastfeeding classes.
• Conducts hospital visits to provide breastfeeding support and encouragement to clinic patients after delivery.
• Observes a feeding in accordance with hospital policy to check positioning and latch.
• Helps new mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns to get a good start with breastfeeding.
• Documents clinical concerns and refers to appropriate staff.
• Documents group sessions or individual interactions in EPIC. Makes referrals for women wanting Peer Counselor follow-up.
• Arranges for follow-up contacts after discharge if agreeable to the mother.
• Respects client/patient confidentiality.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• Participate in leadership and stakeholder meetings

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONTACTS

• Patients and their families and significant others, Division of Nursing Staff, Medical Staff and other hospital personnel.

ENVIRONMENT

• Primary body position: Sitting = (25)%, Standing/Walking = (75)%
• Lifting requirements up to 20 lbs occasionally or frequently
• Exposure to noise, stress and many interruptions.
• Potential for exposure to chemicals, blood and bodily fluids.
• Potential exposure to airborne diseases. The same as for any individual working in a hospital environment that is dependent on a ceiling ventilation system for in flow and out flow of air.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification and the specific functions of the individual occupying the position of.

Benefits:

• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities