<p>The City of Bloomington is seeking an individual to provide breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants. The senior peer counselor provides support in additional settings and situations such as mentoring newly hired peer counselors, assisting with group classes or drop-in centers, or providing assistance to WIC mothers in the hospital or home settings. </p> <p>The position is part-time position and will work up to 26 hours per week. </p> <p>CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS</p> <ul> <li>Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety </li><li>Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds </li><li>Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions </li><li>Embraces the City's shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City's vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly </li></ul> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES</p> <ul> <li>Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants in the WIC clinic or by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program. </li><li>Provides information and support for women in managing common maternal and infant breastfeeding problems that may occur. </li><li>May issue breast pumps following agency protocols for mothers who are separated from their babies. </li><li>Respects each client by keeping their information strictly confidential. </li><li>Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients. </li><li>Collects data required by the State or local agency (including breast pump tracking). </li><li>Refers mothers according to clinic-established protocols to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert, the WIC CPA, and other WIC staff. </li><li>Assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned. </li><li>Assists with breastfeeding classes and support groups for pregnant and postpartum people.  </li><li>May assist in interviewing prospective peer counselors. </li><li>Mentors new peer counselors through modeling good counseling principles and job skills and may assist in interviewing prospective peer counselors.  </li><li>Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding provided by the supervisor. </li></ul> <p>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED</p> <ul> <li>Has expertise in breastfeeding counseling and management through previous experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor and through additional lactation training. </li><li>Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience. </li><li>Has good customer service skills, relating to persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and communicating in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner. </li><li>Able to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations. </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS </p> <ul> <li>Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding). </li><li>Current or previous WIC participant. </li><li>At least one year of experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor. </li><li>Attends monthly staff meetings, WIC clinic staff meetings, and breastfeeding conferences/workshops, as appropriate. </li><li>Is available outside typical working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems </li><li>Has reliable transportation and holds a valid driver's license. </li></ul> <p>DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>Holds a CLS certification (Certified Lactation Specialist) </li><li>Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English that has a recognized presence in the community. (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.) </li></ul> <p>SUPERVISION OF OTHERS</p> <p>This position does not supervise others.</p> <p>Anticipated Hiring Range: $22.89 - $24.13 Hourly</p> <p>2025 Full Salary Range: $22.89 - $25.43 Hourly</p> <p>Part-Time; Non-Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Ineligible (except for PTO)</p> <p>The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.</p> <p>The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.</p>