Community Liaison-Peer Counselor - WIC

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, Newark

Oct 29, 2024

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Community Liaison-Peer Counselor - WIC
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department	NJMS-Pediatrics-WIC Program
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Community Liaison - WIC Breastfeeding Program for NJMS- Pediatrics - WIC Program. Under the supervision of the Chief Nutritionist for the WIC Program, Peer counselors provide basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding participants. A peer counselor is a paraprofessional who has personal exclusive breastfeeding experience of at least six months, is enthusiastic about breastfeeding, has basic communication skills, has completed the "New Jersey WIC Services Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training" with a grade of at least 80% on the final exam, and is able to model good parenting and breastfeeding skills. Among the key duties of this position are the following: As a staff member of the Nutrition Services Component of the WIC Program, interviews pregnant women in the WIC program to obtain needed breastfeeding history. Disseminates basic breastfeeding information in the WIC clinic, hospital, home or by phone as needed, either individually or as a member of a team. Promotes breastfeeding to prenatal and postpartum women as the normal method of infant feeding; explores any barriers the client may have; help to problem solve and find acceptable solutions. Provides peer counseling on common questions about breastfeeding and helps mothers manage common breastfeeding concerns. Facilitates discussion groups on breastfeeding and counsels women individually
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	162
Position Salary	$39,803
Annual Minimum Salary	39785.20
Annual Mid Range Salary	40695.20
Annual Maximum Salary	41914.60
Standard Hours	35.00
Union Description	Teamsters 97
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A minimum of a H.S Diploma/GED. At least two (2) years of prior work experience required. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. The requirements of this position are outlined in WIC Program Consolidated Regulations, 7 CFR Ch. II, Subpart D, * 246.11, USDA guidance including the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Loving Support Model for a Successful Peer Counseling Program and New Jersey WIC Services Policy and Procedures.
Certifications/Licenses	The successful candidate will be required to possess a valid driver's license.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency or related units.
Preferred Qualifications	Bilingual in Spanish is required. Also, proficiency in Portuguese and/or Creole a preference.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Standing, walking, use of hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear over two-thirds of the time, requires Sitting, reaching with hands and arm and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling one-third of the time. Position Requires lifting up to twenty-five (25) lbs. up to one-third of the time.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST2040
Posting Open Date	08/22/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Newark (RBHS)
City	Newark
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement