Breastfeeding Connection Telephone Peer Counsellor

(Halton. Halton Region Public Health, Early Years Health)

Position ID: V-HVC0133
Last Full Update: 21 Jul 2022

Opportunity Details: Breastfeeding Connection Telephone Peer Counsellor

Contact Program Assistant, Halton Breastfeeding Connection, Halton Region Health Department; Phone: 311; Email: hbfc@halton.ca
Duties Contact expectant and new parents who have signed up for support. Contact as necessary until parent feels confident and connected with other supports. Share own breastfeeding experience when appropriate to assist new parent in feeling comfortable. Volunteers can seek out advice and support as needed from their Volunteer Coordinator, Public Health Nurses and other breastfeeding resources in the community. All work is done from the volunteer's own home.
Benefits You can be part of an organization which has helped hundreds of breastfeeding parents. Research has shown our peer counselling increases breastfeeding duration and satisfaction! Many of our volunteers are looking to "give back" after receiving support during their own early days of breastfeeding.
Clients New parents and babies in Halton Region
Ages 18 year(s) and up
Suitable for Highschool Credit Hours No
Suitable For Adults (18+)
Areas of Interest Advocacy ; Education Support (Early Years) ; Education Support (Tutoring / Instruction) ; Food Services / Nutrition ; Health Care ; Mentorship / Leadership ; Telephone Communication ; Volunteer from Home / Virtual
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Counseling & Support ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently ; Must have breastfed for at least 4 to 6 months. It is not necessary to be currently breastfeeding. Should live in Halton and know about local parenting resources. Good telephone and communication skills. Counselling and guidance skills helpful. Beneficial if the volunteer can communicate in a language other than English.
Commitment Length Long Term - One year or more ; The volunteer should be prepared to support at least 3 parents at a time.
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Virtual Volunteering
Dates and Times Times as convenient to volunteer and client
Seasons Year Round
Accessibility Not Applicable
Location Work is done from volunteer's own home
Number of Positions Acton: 5 individual(s) ; Burlington: 10 individual(s) ; Georgetown: 5 individual(s) ; Milton: 10 individual(s) ; Oakville: 10 individual(s) 
 
40 individual(s) needed in total. 
 
Work out of your own home, over the telephone. Positions are available, and training offered, as demand for service requires. Training sessions are usually offered in the spring and fall. We welcome applications at any time.
Training Scheduled training ; Volunteers attend a half-day orientation session. This session educates volunteers on:  
- how the Halton Breastfeeding Connection operates and the volunteer's role 
- tips for effective telephone support 
- red flags to help volunteers recognize when they need to refer a client to a professional service;  
- community resources for breastfeeding parents and Halton's Baby-Friendly Initiative. 
 
Volunteers are expected to attend twice yearly update sessions and encouraged to do additional reading on breastfeeding and related topics.
Transportation Not needed except for training and attendance at Update sessions.
Police Check Required
Additional Requirements Volunteers should live in Halton region so they can share their knowledge of community resources for parents from personal experience. 
If you would like to register your name to be called for the next available training session, please call 311 or email hbfc@halton.ca. Please include your Halton community (eg. Oakville) and confirm that you have personal breastfeeding experience. 
For more information visit halton.ca/breastfeeding/Halton-Breastfeeding-Connection.

Agency Details: Halton. Halton Region Public Health, Early Years Health

Office Phone Mon-Sun 24 hours 905-825-6000 or call 3-1-1
Toll Free Phone 1-866-442-5866
Fax 905-845-0588
E-Mail accesshalton@halton.ca
Website www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Children-and-Parenting
Address & Map
Halton Regional Centre
1151 Bronte Rd
Oakville, ON L6M 3L1
 
View Google Map
Mailing Address c/o Halton Region Public Health