Hourly WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

We are Accepting Applications for the Following Position:

Hourly WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (10401)

Founded in the 1920s and headquartered in Decatur GA DeKalb Public Health (DKPH) works to protect promote and improve the health and well-being of all DeKalb County residents.

Our vision is for a healthier DeKalb where all residents have equitable access to public health resources and live healthy lives. If you have a passion for people and are looking to make an impact on the health of the community we invite you to join our team! For more information about our agency please visit .

LOCATION:T.O. Vinson Health Center

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Community Health MCH

SALARY INFORMATION:$15.00 Hourly / Pay Grade TPW / Job Code T6001

Under general supervision the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor provides paraprofessional breastfeeding support education and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants. The Peer Counselor shares personal breastfeeding experience offers evidence-based information and assists participants in overcoming common challenges while promoting a positive breastfeeding experience. This role operates in both a WIC clinic and community settings. The position requires frequent communication with participants staff and external partners and may involve travel to participant homes hospitals or outreach locations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Attend breastfeeding training sessions to develop skills as a Peer Counselor.
2. Maintain a caseload of assigned WIC participants and make routine periodic contacts.
3. Provide accurate basic breastfeeding information and support including:
   • Benefits of breastfeeding
   • Strategies to overcome common barriers
   • Guidance for initiating breastfeeding and managing early challenges
4. Counsel WIC participants through various methods including telephone home visits hospital visits or at WIC clinics according to program schedules.
5. Be available outside standard clinic hours to assist new mothers with urgent breastfeeding concerns.
6. Always maintain participant confidentiality.
7. Accurately document all contacts with participants in the required recordkeeping system.
8. Refer participants to appropriate resources such as:
   • WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator
   • Lactation consultant
   • Medical provider
   • Public health programs and social services
9. Assist in prenatal classes breastfeeding support groups and community outreach events.
10. Participate in monthly staff meetings breastfeeding conferences and relevant professional development opportunities.
11. Completes assigned breastfeeding-related reading as provided by the supervisor.
12. Support WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and outreach.
13. Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while conducting counseling sessions or training.
14. Ability to move about within clinic or outreach settings to access resources and meet with participants.
15. Frequently operates a telephone computer and standard office equipment.
16. Frequently communicates with participants to exchange accurate information and provide breastfeeding guidance.

High School diploma/GED and six (6) months of experience in a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Has breastfed at least one baby (currently breastfeeding not required). Enthusiastic about breastfeeding and committed to supporting other mothers. Available to work approximately 10 hours per week. Has reliable telephone access to make participant calls from home. Reliable transportation for outreach activities.

NOTE: Thank you for your interest in DKPH. Due to the volume of applications we are unable to provide application status by phone or email. All qualified candidates will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview.

Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. We have the right to close any position at any time for any reason.

Employment with DeKalb Public Health is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements. Requirements for this position may be subject to: Pre-Employment Drug Screening Criminal Background Check/Fingerprinting Previous Employment Reference Check Specific Immunizations Motor vehicle check and/or Education and/or Licensure verification.