Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

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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.

• 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 witha 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

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

• 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.

Has (in the past or currently)…