State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator (Nutritionist)-61007206

About the Role

The State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator manages the breastfeeding peer counselor program at the state agency level, overseeing program activities, training, and compliance under the supervision of the Nutrition Service Unit Manager.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee breastfeeding peer counseling program activities.
• Train Women, Infants and Children (WIC) breastfeeding coordinators and peer counselors.
• Manage overall program planning and administration of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program.
• Routinely report on the program to the State Breastfeeding Coordinator.
• Assess and analyze existing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Assist in establishing local agency and statewide program goals and objectives.
• Review state and federal regulations/legislative requirements and assist in establishing local agency and statewide peer counseling program protocols and policies.
• Determine breastfeeding peer counselor staffing needs and ensure recruitment aligns with program policies and standards.
• Arrange Continuing Education Units (CEU) for breastfeeding peer counselors and peer counselor supervisors.
• Evaluate the program, including conducting spot checks and implementing quality assurance projects.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to local regions and community agencies.
• Conduct quarterly meetings with breastfeeding peer counselors, supervisors, and/or lactation support staff.
• Work with local breastfeeding coordinators to assess ongoing program improvements and collaborative training needs.
• Mentor new breastfeeding peer counselors and peer counselor supervisors with routine follow-up, evaluation, and guidance.
• Review and monitor compliance with program standards.
• Assist in developing the state agency peer counseling budget and allocate funding for local agency activities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the SCWIC breastfeeding peer counselor modules and TeleWIC platform.
• Act as backup subject matter expert for the overall breastfeeding module and TeleWIC platform for clinical staff.
• Assist with testing and enhancement of the SCWIC module and TeleWIC platform.
• Support the Management Evaluation Team with peer counselor audits and evaluate results.
• Update the SC State Plan Manual as needed.
• Collaborate with other bureaus within the agency and external agencies on breastfeeding promotion and support.
• Assist with outreach for Breastfeeding Month.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, including required travel and emergency response outside normal work hours.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, family and consumer sciences, health education, or a related degree with emphasis on nutrition from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with the application; official transcripts will be required prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in the SCWIC Breastfeeding Module platform, including system navigation.
• A recognized breastfeeding credential such as Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), and/or International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
• Experience as a Nutritionist in the WIC program.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year.
• 15 days Sick Leave per year.
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program.
• Retirement benefit choices:
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS).
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP).

Enrollment in one of the listed retirement plans is required for all Full-Time Employees (FTE).

Schedule

Hybrid work options may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.