JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:NCT BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORTER TEAM LEADER

TEAM & DEPARTMENT:VOLUNTEER AND SERVICES DIRECTORATE

LAST UPDATED:OCTOBER2013

RESPONSIBLE TO:BF SUPPORT SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGER

MAIN PURPOSE:

The post holder is responsible for thedeployment and support of a group of breastfeeding peer supporters within a given area.

The post holder will ensure that breastfeeding peer supporters are present at local breastfeeding support groups, antenatal ward, postnatal ward and undertaking proactive contact with new parents. The post holder will provide home visits where required.

This is a key post to help NCT broaden its reach and relevance to parents of all backgrounds and enable them to have a life enhancing experience of becoming a parent.

RESOURCES CONTROLLED

  • Database of trained breastfeeding peer supporters in given area.
  • Database of breastfeeding support groups and referral pathways in given area.

JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

  • Good judgement will be required in responding appropriately to telephone, e-mail and written enquiries from breastfeeding peer supporters
  • Good decision making is required in responding to requests for information, supporting NCT volunteers and prioritising tasks.

LIAISON

  • Liaising with people at all levels is essential. This includes NCT internal and external staff and BFPS trainers, NCT Practitioners, volunteers, Health Professionals and Baby Café staff. A professional approach must be maintained at all times.

AUTHORITY/SUPERVISION RECEIVED

  • The objectives are agreed by the NCT Breastfeeding Support Service Delivery Manager who will provide some support but the post holder will also be required to use their initiative as they will be working largely unsupervised.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS LEVEL, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERINECE

ESSENTIAL
  1. Trained NCT breastfeeding peer supporter
  2. Good organisation skills
  3. Good IT and database skills including Word, Access, Excel, Outlook and Internet
  4. Good written and excellent oral communication skills
  5. Good interpersonal skills with the ability to create rapport with a range of people including NCT Practitioners and staff
  6. Ability to manage time and prioritise effectively
  7. Strong relationship-building skills
  8. Good attention to detail

DESIRABLE

  1. Understanding of NCT

QUALIFICATION

  • Educated to minimum of ‘SQA Higher’ level or equivalent

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

  • Support of breastfeeding peer supporters within a specified area facilitating communication and understanding of how to do their role, and ensuring any issues are brought to light and dealt with promptly
  • Be aware of activity in the group through information sources and weekly calls to team members, and keep Breastfeeding Support Service Delivery Manager informed of any issues
  • Support peer supporters in their team by understanding their challenges and guiding them to other sources of help where appropriate
  • Ensure peer supporters are aware of best practice and support them in following it
  • Monitor the local referral system from health professionals to peer supporters and keep Breastfeeding Support Service Delivery Manager informed of any issues
  • Providing home visits where required
  • Managing proactive telephone and text contact by Peer Supporters to new mothers
  • Coordinate, collect and collate weekly data from Peer Supporters
  • Liaison and sharing of best practice with other Peer Support Team Leaders, identifying innovations from within the team that could be used in other areas and teams, and spread this knowledge
  • Liaise between peer supporters and the Breastfeeding Support Service Delivery Manager
  • Any other duties as requested by the Breastfeeding Support Service Delivery Manager

General duties of a NCT employee

  • Contribute to the effective and efficient running of the NCT as appropriate
  • Participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings
  • Adhere to all NCT’s policies and procedures
  • Represent the NCT appropriately at all times
  • Treat all colleagues, volunteers and members of the public with dignity and work within and adhere to NCT’s equal opportunities statement and polices
  • Carry out any reasonable work or requests from your line manager, that is within the broad remit of your role
  • To occasionally work additional hours in order to meet the requirements of the role
  • Commensurate with your role, you will be required to add and maintain contacts on the charity database, CARE

Time requirement

7-10 hours per week