Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Job Responsibilities

• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contact with all mothers assigned.
• Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC Program.
• May counsel women in the WIC clinic.
• Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedules for new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
• Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
• WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator.
• Lactation consultant.
• Mother’s healthcare provider or nurse.
• Public health programs in the community.
• Social service agencies.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
• Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
• May require travel to the district's 13 county health departments to provide counseling services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Has (in the past or currently) breastfed at least one baby for a period of at least six months.
• Has been or is currently a WIC participant.
• Has a cell phone and is willing to be on call and accept phone calls at home and after hours.
• Has dependable transportation to support consistent and reliable attendance in this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Is passionate about breastfeeding and dedicated to supporting other mothers in having a positive and rewarding experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Additional Information

• The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.
• The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals.
• A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

• State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.
• DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid.
• The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.
• In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement

• DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
• Standard Benefits For Part-Time Employees