Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

The Franklin County Health Department is seeking a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BPC) to deliver support services for pregnant and postpartum participants. This is a grant funded position with funding through May of 2027.

This position is grounded in lived experience with breastfeeding and will support the grants goals to improve breastfeeding initiation, continuation, and duration among populations disproportionately impacted by infant mortality.

Responsibilities & Deliverables

Caseload Management

• Maintain an active caseload of at least 25 enrolled participants
• Track participant status (prenatal, early postpartum, ongoing postpartum) to ensure timely BFSS delivery
• Promote consistent engagement and retention throughout the breastfeeding period.
• Play an active role in recruitment of participants through phone calls, social media posts, etc.
• Conduct scheduled contacts according to the program’s breastfeeding support timeline, including: Prenatal breastfeeding education contacts, Early postpartum contacts within required timeframes following delivery, Ongoing postpartum follow-up contacts to support breastfeeding continuation
• Provide support through in-person visits at approved location with phone calls and virtual platforms
• Document all completed and attempted contacts in accordance with NCDHHS requirements
• Note: In-person support occurs in approved settings and does not include home visiting or clinical nursing services.
• Provide evidence-informed, peer-based breastfeeding education within scope, including: Breastfeeding initiation and early postpartum support, Managing common breastfeeding challenges, Pumping, supplementation, and maintaining milk supply, Returning to work or school while breastfeeding
• Use lived experience to normalize challenges, provide encouragement, and support participant-identified goals
• Identify breastfeeding concerns beyond peer counselor scope
• Facilitate referrals to IBCLCs or healthcare providers using established BFSS protocols
• Document referrals and follow-up outcomes as required
• Accurately document all BFSS contacts, education provided, referrals, and outcomes in systems
• Meet grant reporting and required standards
• Participate in BFSS quality improvement and monitoring activities
• Proficiency in designing educational materials for various media

Required Qualifications

• Lived experience breastfeeding
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to manage and maintain a minimum caseload of 25 participants
• Strong communication skills across in-person, phone, and virtual settings
• Ability to meet BFSS contact timelines and documentation requirements
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse community groups and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience with WIC as a participant and/or as a Peer Breastfeeding Counselor
• Certification as a Peer Breastfeeding Counselor, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), or IBCLC (or actively pursuing)
• Experience providing in-person and telephone breastfeeding support
• Bilingual

This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License and must pass a background check. There are required vaccinations for this position including: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis). A two-step TB skin Test is required. There is reimbursement is available for required vaccines and TB Testing.

Working Conditions: This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours to attend community events and meetings. The Peer Counselor will spend time in office as well as community settings.

Benefits: As a contract employee, you will not be eligible for traditional benefits offered by Franklin County Health Department. However, you can purchase additional benefits through our payroll provider. Details on available benefits and enrollment will be provided upon hire.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Elane Edwards, Health Education Supervisor, at eedwards@franklincountync.gov

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20