Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

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. 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

Come join our team! As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor with the North Central Health District's WIC program, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals working to protect the health and well-being of communities across the state by supporting vital public health initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, a great schedule, and a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to grow your career while maintaining time for what matters most to you.

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Primary Duties & 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. She also helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contact with all mothers assigned.
• Attend 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.

This role offers a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful impact while serving the community at the Macon-Bibb Health Department in Macon, GA. In this position, you would work up to 29 hours per week, allowing for a balanced and flexible schedule while still contributing in a significant way.

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)

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.

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. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

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.

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application 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.

Benefits:

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.