Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - Days

Join the FEEDS Study as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Are you passionate about breastfeeding and eager to support other mothers on their breastfeeding journey? The FEEDS (Furthering Equity through infant feeding EDucation and Support) is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to join our team. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real-life difference in the lives of families, while gaining valuable experience in a growing field.

This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who are passionate about maternal and child health, especially those with personal experience and a deep commitment to breastfeeding. Whether you're a breastfeeding mother yourself or have experience supporting others in their journey, this position will allow you to positively impact the lives of many families.

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. Hospital is accessible to public transit.

What you will need:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification from a recognized Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program preferred at hire. If not certified, certification training can be provided at no cost after hire.
• Has expertise in breastfeeding counseling and management through previous experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor, or through additional lactation training and experience.
• 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 with clinical teams and patients.
• Able to remain calm and exercise judgment in unusual or stressful situations.
• Experience at a hospital or clinic preferred.
• Computer skills required, including Word and Excel.
• 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 birthing people individually and/or in groups about infant feeding decisions, and answers basic questions about breastfeeding.
• Provides hands on breastfeeding help with latch and positioning.
• Provides follow up care after birth to help families overcome common breastfeeding challenges.

Documents clinical concerns and refers to appropriate staff.

• Arranges for follow-up contacts after discharge.
• 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