Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (Counselor Assistant)-61113526

Responsibilities

• Under supervision of the Breastfeeding Coordinator, promotes breastfeeding to pregnant women in the community, workplace, and health care system and provides support to breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.
• Contact WIC breastfeeding moms in hospital, through home visits, and/or by telephone within 1-7 days and 8-14 days after delivery to provide breastfeeding support.
• Make a contact by telephone or face-to-face with the breastfeeding mom once a week for the next three (3) weeks after birth and at a minimum once a month thereafter as long as the mom is breastfeeding.
• Refer breastfeeding moms/infants with complex breastfeeding situations to the breastfeeding coordinator or Designated Breastfeeding Expert.
• Make prenatal contacts at 16, 20, 24, 27, 31, 35, 39, 40, and 41 weeks gestation.
• Use breastfeeding promotion scripts as a guide.
• Invites WIC mothers to breastfeeding classes and support groups.
• Teaches breastfeeding information.
• Provides basic WIC information, such as breast pump options or refers WIC questions to WIC nutritionist.
• Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client information.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor(s) and/or Breastfeeding Coordinator related to the position.

Requirements

• State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and relevant human services or social services experience. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Agency Additional Requirements: High school diploma or GED.
• Breastfed at least one baby.
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding.
• Recruited from the target population.
• Must successfully complete the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Level 1 Training.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.
• Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application.
• The agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Qualifications

• Personal breastfeeding experience, enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and recruited from the target population within the community.
• Ability to work with mothers from diverse backgrounds.
• Reliable and motivated.
• Ability to work as part of a team supporting breastfeeding women.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS) and State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP); enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Temporary Grant Employees (TGE); refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay
• Hybrid work: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions