Breastfeeding Peer Counselor; Counselor Assistant

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

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 confidentially of client information.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor(s) and/or Breastfeeding Coordinator related to the position.

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.

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. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

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.

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant, being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis, Varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

• 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.  for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred…