Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Georgia Department of Public Health•Columbus, GA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor within the Columbus Health Department at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Peer Counselors are enthusiastic about breastfeeding and have a desire to help mothers enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience. This part-time/hourly position will be housed in Columbus and will support the Department by utilizing your expertise to fulfill the following responsibilities:

Requirements

Has breastfed at least one baby for a minimum of 6 months.
Is a current or former WIC participant.
Can work approximately 15 hours per week minimum.
Has good communication skills.
Has reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English & Spanish speaking)

Responsibilities

Counsels and gives breastfeeding information and support to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, including benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
Helps breastfeeding mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns within the correct scope of practice.
Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine contacts per WIC Program policy and procedures.
Available to WIC clients at clinic visits and by telephone during regular health department hours, weekends, holidays, and outside the standard 8am-5pm work schedule.
Maintains accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants and keeps all participant information confidential.
Refers WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to community resources as needed.
Attends, assists and/or facilitates breastfeeding support groups, classes, and community outreach events.
Attends all required trainings and monthly staff meetings.
Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects, such as World Breastfeeding Week
Issues breast pump and breastfeeding supplies as appropriate per WIC Program policies and procedures.
May be required to travel to surrounding counties as assigned.