Health Imperatives Inc·Parksville, British Columbia
The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides breastfeeding education and support to WIC mothers via telephone and in-person support groups. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records of client contacts and referring mothers to appropriate health or social service professionals.
Health Imperatives (HI) is a multi-service organization dedicated to reducing health and wealth disparities while advancing meaningful opportunities and economic security for people south of Boston. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of low-income or vulnerable families and individuals in Southeastern Massachusetts. The communities we serve, including Brockton, New Bedford, Plymouth, the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, have some of the highest poverty rates and largest wealth gaps in Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, we have addressed the complex needs of people who are disadvantaged by poverty and discrimination and have fallen through the cracks of mainstream systems of care. HI is a safe and welcoming place for people from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and faith. We are dedicated to promoting and achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to elevating the voices of the people we serve and those we employ to provide the highest quality care and to develop the most creative solutions to the challenges we face. We are committed to eliminating disparities and increasing access to meaningful opportunities for all, particularly those disproportionately impacted by systemic racism. We partner with our clients and other community-based organizations and stakeholders to provide coordinated, effective care and support. We serve a diverse mix of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, including youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, people with limited English proficiency, survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, people with substance use disorders, and youth and adults who are or have been incarcerated. We provide a wide array of trauma-informed health care, emergency services, and support.
Under the supervision of the Breast-Feeding Coordinator, the Breast-Feeding Peer Counselor will perform the following duties including: Completes breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor. Carries a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine contacts with all mothers assigned. Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding; helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program. Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers. Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols to WIC nutritionist or Breastfeeding Coordinator; lactation consultant; mother’s physician or nurse; health and social service programs. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups. Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding. Assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual Portuguese speaking; has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding); enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience; current or previous WIC participant; Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to assist new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems; can work about 7 hours a week; is willing to make and take phone calls from home; has reliable transportation.
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Market context
In British Columbia, behavioral-health roles often reflect ongoing demand in acute care, community mental health, and integrated service settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for current BC nursing registration, recent experience with acute mental illness, and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit against the original posting, then tailor your application to show relevant mental-health and team-based experience.