Infant feeding Peer supporter, Sleaford

Social network you want to login/join with: The Infant Feeding Peer Supporter will work as part of the 0-19 Children's Health Team. Peer supporters offer advice to breastfeeding mothers, addressing their concerns and answering questions, providing support and encouragement to help successful feeding. They will also facilitate group sessions, creating safe spaces for sharing experiences and learning from others. The role also includes educating families on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and the benefits of breastfeeding. They will collaborate with local professionals from Family Hubs, Children's Centres, and health colleagues to raise awareness regarding breastfeeding. The two current vacancies are in Boston and South Holland (30 hours) and Sleaford and Grantham ( hours). Main duties of the job As an infant feeding peer support worker, you will play a crucial role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding within our community alongside the Health Visiting teams. You will work closely with families to provide practical assistance, emotional support, and evidence-based information. Your role will contribute to the overall health and well-being of both mothers and babies and provide added support to families to successfully breastfeed. About us In Lincolnshire, we are committed to supporting families on their breastfeeding journey by offering compassionate care, education, and guidance to parents to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to nourish their infants through breastfeeding. Job responsibilities The Infant Feeding Peer Support Workers will work to support the infant feeding strategy to provide additional support with breastfeeding within a designated area within Lincolnshire. The post holder will offer breastfeeding peer support to increase breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates in line with NICE guidance, as well as act as a point of contact for local parents, Children's Centre staff, and other professionals. The post holder will offer ad hoc support to the infant feeding volunteers. The service will enable those women who choose to breastfeed to gain access to appropriate support services regardless of age, ethnic origin, beliefs, sexual orientation, and social and employment status. Main Aims of the Service To provide a breastfeeding service to families of Lincolnshire through a variety of means including individualized one-on-one support, through face-to-face contact, telephone, MS Teams, and group sessions. To support increasing the initiation and duration of breastfeeding rates in Lincolnshire. Support families to access breastfeeding services particularly in the more deprived communities where mothers are less likely to breastfeed. Support and work towards Baby Friendly accreditation. Main Duties To support local mothers to breastfeed at various venues, for example, home, children's centres, through MS Teams under the supervision of the Health Visiting Service. Provide home visits and phone/text support to offer encouragement, information, and support about infant feeding, bonding, and parenting. Help facilitate community breastfeeding support groups with infant feeding peer support volunteers alongside the Health Visiting team. Support with the delivery of antenatal education with regards to infant feeding. Keep accurate documentation following contacts using the SystmOne. Liaise/refer and develop a good working partnership with midwives, health visitors, Family Support Workers, and other partner agencies. Support local public health events working proactively with third sector organisations, local businesses, and raising awareness of breastfeeding within the community. Share information with parents about local family support and Early Years Children's Centre/Family Hubs activities. Contribute to the audit and evaluation of the breastfeeding service as required. Support the Specialist Health Visitor with the recruitment of volunteers and the delivery of their training. To attend the infant feeding and relationship building two-day training course and attend annual updates thereafter and any other relevant training including safeguarding training. To receive monthly professional supervision from the line manager. To support the delivery of breastfeeding awareness training to non-clinical staff. Work to support the implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative across Lincolnshire as per the infant feeding strategy. To participate in professional meetings where appropriate. The postholder is required to take personal responsibility for contributing to organisational transformation and changes in ways of working, maximising the benefits and efficiencies for both internal and external customers, including the promotion and use of self-service to achieve maximum cost-effectiveness. The postholder is expected to work to the Lincolnshire County Council Core Values and Behaviours and to carry out the duties in accordance with Lincolnshire County Council policies. Other Duties - The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside of the general scope of this grade of post will be with the consent of the post holder. Safeguarding All employees need to be aware of the possible abuse of children and vulnerable adults and if you are concerned you need to follow the Lincolnshire County Council Safeguarding Policy. In addition, employees working with children and vulnerable adults have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults during the course of their work. Qualifications Essential Ability to advocate, negotiate and challenge on behalf of families in a variety of settings. Knowledge and experience of breastfeeding and any accredited breastfeeding qualifications. Excellent interpersonal skills to act as an intermediary between families and professionals. Ability to work remotely and on own initiative. Experience of supporting families within a community setting. Positive attitude to the promotion of diversity and equal opportunities. Driving licence and vehicle available for work. Commitment and understanding of Health & Safety. Ability to interpret available data to drive and direct service improvement and how to report outcomes to evidence impact. Desirable To be a key team player and work closely with staff members and specialist workers from other agencies, local authorities, and organisations. Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and reports. Proficient information and IT skills to enable effective communication with internal and external agencies. Experience of working in a breastfeeding group. Ability to prioritize workload according to need. Knowledge of Safeguarding and risk management. Ability to recognise, appreciate and work within different organisations' cultures. Ability to demonstrate good knowledge and skills of breastfeeding.

#J-18808-Ljbffr