Shire Jobs

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Public Health HOURS: Up to 10 hours per week HIRING RANGE: $20.58 - $23.16/hour (Salary Grade 104) LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley UNION: Non-union CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 10/2/2024 Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more"! Dakota County employs over 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County? Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves, and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves. A Breast/ChestfeedingPeer Counselor for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a paraprofessional support person who provides basic breast/chestfeeding information and encouragement to WIC families. Peer counselors are individuals who have personal experience with breast/chestfeeding and support others with whom they share or have shared socioeconomic status, language, and/or race or ethnicity. Peer counselors reinforce breast/chestfeeding recommendations in a socially and culturally appropriate context and promote breast/chestfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the child; and perform related duties as assigned. Peers will work primarily from home; however, on occasion will need to attend meetings, trainings, and meet with clients within the office or community. Peers should have the ability to dedicate uninterrupted time to talk with clients on the phone when it is most convenient to both the peer and client. The county will provide a cellular phone for use during client calls and the peer must have reliable transportation to attend trainings and meetings as scheduled. What You ll Do As a Breast/Chestfeeding Peer Counselor, you will: Promote breast/chestfeeding with WIC families. Assess and help navigate identified barriers to help families reach their infant feeding goals. Provide lactation education during the prenatal and postpartum period. Utilize effective counseling skills to build rapport and effectively and efficiently address participants concerns or questions. Document assessment, education, and plans in WIC information System. Perform public health emergency response functions as trained and assigned within the department's emergency response plan. Promote a diverse, inclusive, culturally competent, and respectful workplace. Promote the department, division and county s mission and vision. Promote a culture that values excellence, innovation, collaboration, and one that empowers individuals. Currently, there are two vacancies available for this position. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. Complete WIC breast/chestfeeding training to become a peer counselor. Receive a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine periodic contacts with all participants assigned. Provide basic breast/chestfeeding information and support to new parents, including telling them about the benefits of breast/chestfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breast/chestfeeding. Helps participants prevent and handle common breast/chestfeeding concerns. Counsel WIC pregnant and breast/chestfeeding individuals by telephone or in WIC clinic at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC Program. Is available in the evening and weekends to new parents who are ha ing breast/chestfeeding problems. Respect participants by keeping their information strictly confidential. Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants. Attend and assist with prenatal classes and breast/chestfeeding support groups. Attend monthly staff meetings and breast/chestfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate which occur during regular business hours of 8am - 4:30pm. Continue education following agency-approved guidelines. Read assigned books and materials on breast/chestfeeding that are provided by the supervisor. May assist WIC staff in promoting breast/chestfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity and health equity at the County and within the community. Refer participants, according to clinic-established protocols, to: WIC Nutrition Staff Local agency breastfeeding coordinator WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert Other community resources following agency-approved protocols Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Ability to provide services in a professional manner and respect confidentiality. Knowledge of data privacy Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. Ability to recognize situations that are beyond their scope of responsibility and refer them to program supervisor or when delegated the program coordinator Ability to competently use technology needed to perform the functions of the job. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, co-workers, and supervisors, including individuals with a disability or whose first language may be other than English. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed at home, in a county office building and in the community throughout Dakota County. Travel and reliable transportation is required. Types of equipment used includes: telephone and laptop computer. Lifting requirements up to 20 Lbs. on a daily basis with occasional bending/stooping and other physical activities. SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.