Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Description:

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under close supervision, this position promotes and encourages breastfeeding through individual counseling and/or nutrition classes.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides breastfeeding counseling, in person or over the phone, for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, hospitals, mobile van) and provides follow-up support for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources including issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy.
  
• Teaches classes and assists with presentations on the advantages of breastfeeding and breastfeeding management to clients and staff.
  
• Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor.
  
• Attends required trainings and meetings.
  
• Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned.
  
• Identifies breastfeeding situations that require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals.
  
• Performs clerical duties and height and weight measurements as needed.
  
• Orders, maintains, cleans, and inventories breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  
• Knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, anatomy, and counseling techniques.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, City, and Local policies and regulations that pertain to WIC services.
  
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
  
• Skill in providing breastfeeding management and excellent customer service and support.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, organizing, and prioritizing
  
• Skill in following written and oral instructions.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, clearly, and concisely with others.
  
• Ability to work with and relate to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  
• Ability to demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency.
  
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds; managers; co-workers; and members of the public and professional groups.
  
• Ability to work outside of regular clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) months of experience in a related field.
  
• Breastfed or expressed breastmilk for at least one baby.
  
• Are from the target population and can be trained to be paraprofessionals.
  
• Not licensed or credentialed health professionals such as International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Registered Dietitians (RDs), nurses.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Teams, etc.
  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  
• Experience providing customer service
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Completion of Peer Counselor Training Course within 3 months of hire date.
  
• Completion of all required WIC modules during the probationary period.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The BFPC provides breastfeeding counseling (in person and over the phone) for normal breastfeeding experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, community partner location, mobile van) and provides follow up support for normal lactation management issues according to established protocols and approved clinic resources. Duties include counseling pregnant and new BF moms on BF benefits, common myths, successful BF and issuing breast pumps and providing instructions according to policy. Teaches classes and assists with presentations, lead support groups on the advantages of breastfeeding and normal breastfeeding management to clients and staff. Documents encounters electronically according to policy and as assigned by supervisor. Attend meetings and trainings. Participates in assigned health fairs and community events/projects and makes presentations to groups as assigned. Identifies breastfeeding situations which require assistance and makes immediate and appropriate referrals. Performs clerical duties and other duties as assigned. Orders, maintains, cleans and inventory breast pumps and supplies according to schedule and policy.

APH Information

• This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan .
  
• Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .
  
• Be a part of Austin Public Health, https://youtu.be/wJgNIc3ivkA .
  

Compensation Range

Min 22.05 - Mid 24.26 Hourly

Location

APH Northwest Campus 8701 Research Blvd Austin, TX 78758. (Position will work with the Mobile Unit)

Hours

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Occasional Saturdays as determined by business needs.

Grant Funded

• This position is grant-funded, meaning its financial support comes from allocated funds that may be modified, reduced, or canceled at the discretion of the City of Austin or the grant provider.
  

Immunization Requirement

• Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.
  

Regarding your application

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Qualifying education experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities must be clearly stated on your application. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the hiring department.
  
• Work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
  
• Everyone who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
  

Additional Information

• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than Austin Public Health.
  
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.
  

If you are selected to interview

• Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of the initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference
  
• This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
  

Electronic Notification to Applications

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment, and minimize delays and costs.
  
• Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner.
  
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days
  
• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities outside your job description. This may involve responding anytime, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.
  
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.
  

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Tobacco-free Workplace

The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-17