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Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Job Code: T1402
Who we are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.
What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:
- Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play
- Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia Residents
- Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team– Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengths
- Achieve Career Longevity – Countless opportunities for continuous learning/development that support a long-term career
- Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role
- Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like you
A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a part time, hourly paraprofessional staff person who is enthusiastic and positive about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers have a positive experience by providing basic breastfeeding information, encouragement, and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women participating in the WIC program under the direction and supervision of the WIC Assistant Nutrition Services Director. We are looking to hire counselors for Barrow, Madison, and Walton counties. Must be a previous or current WIC participant.
As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor within the WIC Department at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways.
Requirements
- Counsels and gives breastfeeding information and support to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, including benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Helps breastfeeding mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns within the correct scope of practice.
- Completes peer counselor competency checklist, Northeast Health District required peer counselor training, and state WIC office required Breastfeeding Training Curriculum prior to counseling participants alone.
- Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine contact with all participants per WIC Program policy and procedures.
- Is available to WIC clients at clinic visits and by telephone during regular health department hours, weekends, holidays, and outside standard 8am-5pm work schedule. May make home visits and hospital visits per WIC client request.
- Maintains accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants by entering contact information in the GA-WIC and Peer Counselor Database systems per policy.
- Respects each client by keeping all participant information confidential.
- Refers WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to community resources as needed.
- Attends, assists and/or facilities breastfeeding support groups and classes.
- Attends monthly breastfeeding peer counselor meetings.
- Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects, such as World Breastfeeding Week, and duties as assigned by Lead Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and WIC Assistant Nutrition Services Director.
- Issues breast pump and breastfeeding supplies as appropriate per WIC Program policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Has breastfed at least one baby for a minimum period of 6 months.
- Is a current or former WIC participant.
- Is available for working a minimum of 10 hours per week; must be available to work 8 hours in a designated Health Department each week. This is not a remote position.
- Has reliable transportation.
- Has good communication skills. Is able to read and write English.
- Has basic computer skills.
The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.
Employment Information
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.
DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.
DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.
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