Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

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WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This position is part time, non-benefit eligible, and located in Lowndes County, GA.

Come join the team that's changing the face of Public Health, improving the health of Georgia one community at a time. Making a difference in the health of our communities is our passion. Entrusted with the ultimate responsibility for the health of Georgia's communities, we are committed to providing innovative and transformational health care solutions.  As one of Georgia's premier employers, you will be joining a team of talented people who are committed to serving and are passionate about our communities reaching their health-care goals.

Who we are. 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. 

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes unique training opportunities, engaging worksite wellness events, wellness breaks, employee retirement plan, 13 paid holidays per year, vacation and sick leave, health insurance, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance. For more information on the State of Georgia Benefits visithttp://team.georgia.gov/

The WIC Peer Counselor:

1. Attends breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
2. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mother by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program.
3. May counsel women in the WIC clinic. 
4. Receives a caseload of WIC clients and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
5. 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. 
6. Is available outside usual 8 to 5 working hours to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. 
7. Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential. 
8. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
9. Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to the: 
   • WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator
   • Lactation consultant
   • The mother’s physician or nurse
   • Public health programs in the community
   • Social service agencies
10. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
11. Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
12. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
13. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned. 

• Must have personal experience in breastfeeding and breast fed at least 6 months (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience. 
• Must be a current or former WIC participant.
• Bilingual is helpful but not required. 

Training:

• Attends a series of breastfeeding classes. 
• Observes other peer counselors or lactation consultants helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.  

Supervision:
The peer counselor is supervised by the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and  leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals.  A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

If you require accommodations under the American Disability Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to: DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.

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 necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection 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.