Peer Counselor

In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities. 

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.  

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that may include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.  

Franciscan Medical Group, as part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is currently seeking a full time (0.8 FTE) Peer Counselor for the Franciscan WIC Clinic in Lakewood. Positive team culture with a great, motivated learning environment and rewarding work with women, children and families. Flexible hybrid work/work from home schedule (required 1 day per week in office). Occasional weekends required. 

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for providing basic breastfeeding information, education, support, and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals. Support is given through phone contacts, home visits, WIC clinic classes and contact, and/or hospital visits. Client contact may occur outside usual clinic business hours and/or outside the WIC clinic environment.

Essential Duties:

Provides peer counseling to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, clinic visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.

• Provides peer-level support to breastfeeding mothers to help meet their breastfeeding goals.
• Educates and consults with new mothers about successful breastfeeding techniques and basic breastfeeding management, one-on-one and in class settings.
• Is available outside usual 8 to 5 working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
• Proficiently communicates one-on-one, on the phone, and in writing.
• Understands and utilizes referral/yield protocols. Communicates promptly and effectively with WIC staff regarding client’s risk and concerns.
• Strictly adheres to defined scope of practice.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, empathy, and professionalism.

Delivers basic breastfeeding information and support to clients during pregnancy and post-partum, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Helps clients prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns and refers clients to Lactation Consultants or other professionals for complex issues or diagnosis.

Keeps accurate and timely records and paperwork.

• Completes documentation and reports, such as client contacts, referral forms, contact logs, telephone logs, and other records, accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Keeps accurate time and mileage records.
• Adheres to and follows FHS confidentiality guidelines and release of information policy.

Manages time appropriately and efficiently.

• Manages time appropriately and efficiently within the parameters set by the peer counselor project.
• Attends department, site, and other meetings as scheduled with the Peer Counselor lead.

Performs related duties as required.

Education/Experience:

• Any combination of education and work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities. Experience with the WIC program preferred. Reliable transportation and cell phone required.

License/Certification

• Completion of the Loving Support Curriculum provided by the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Lead within 30 days of date of hire.
• Current driver’s license valid in the state of Washington or other evidence of equivalent mobility