Give Me a Superb Team ! Best Practices in Recruiting, Hiring, and Maintaining Great PCs Ca Carol l Hendrix drix, , BS BS, IBC BCLC, C, RLC
Learning Objectives • List qualifications of peer counselors as identified in the Loving Support Model • Identify at least three strategies for retaining peer counselors
I have no financial relationships to disclose. Carol Hendrix Carol Hendrix, BS, IBCLC, RLC
Let’s hear from you first….
As far as filling PC positions, I feel over the last few years I have _______________. a. Had a hard time finding PCs b. Have a line at the door for PCs wanting to join the program c. Not sure
As far as retention, I feel over the last few years I have _______________. a. Lost a lot of PCs b. Retained PCs pretty well c. Not sure
Outline of Discussion • Staffing • Recruiting • Application/Interview • How many to hire? • Leaving • Addressing Issues • Retention • Successes • Review
Definition of a Peer Counselor Paraprofessional Recruited from WIC target population Available outside of clinic hours Previous breastfeeding experience
Lactation Consultants? Nurses? Dietitians? Older moms? Women only?
Recruiting Options Population of WIC Moms FNS Promotional Brochures https://lovingsupport.fns.usda.gov/wic-staff Database of moms that have breastfed Ask local agency staff Post signs in WIC clinics, grocery stores, local shops Host a breastfeeding peer counselor tea
Social media Community organizations Health care providers Hospital mothers’ groups La Leche League Leaders Help wanted ads?
Hiring Practices: Application Process An application process provides potential PCs the opportunity to communicate strengths and weakness, and to show them this is a “real job”. Get to know them better Not too much about breastfeeding knowledge Availability Why do they want to be a PC?
Hiring Practices: The Interview Process During the interview, sit face to face Avoid large group interviews Open-ended questions (Tell us about support…, Describe breastfeeding challenges…, What do you hope…) Active listening Use affirmations
How many should I hire? Train extra Module 1 at your PC Tea Party? Determine your caseload “Multiples” moms Extra duties (hospital, classes, support groups, home visits)
You mean they might leave me?
Positive reasons to leave? New career Children grow Family needs change They are aging Go back to school
Job-related reasons to leave? Low wages Burnout Isolation Balancing these with family
Personal reasons to leave? Stressful, personal life Lack family support Second job needed Child care/transportation cost Job not a good fit Seek other opportunities
Low wages Burnout Isolation Balancing with family
How can I retain PCs?
Clinic staff meetings Regular contact with supervisor Job satisfaction Sensitivity to personal issues Compensation and advancement
Professional growth Continuing Education Breastfeeding promotion activities Social interaction with other PCs
Celebrate successes!
Keep data – share with PCs Have a party periodically Give awards! Share notes of thanks to admins
Any changes you want to try? a.Try new recruitment ideas b. Improve my interviewing skills c. Try a breastfeeding PC tea d. Prevent burnout in PCs e. Something else? ____________ f. Be a better supervisor g.Think about awards h. My program is perfect, nothing .
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, Sept 29 th , 2018
Sept 29 th 2018 Express Your Superpower 5K www.expressyoursuperpower5k.com
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