What are the responsibilities and job description for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor - 61040109 (Beaufort County) position at S.C. Department of Public Health?
Job Responsibilities
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 in the community, workplace, and health care system to pregnant women 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 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 of 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, and 40 weeks' gestation using breastfeeding promotion scripts as a guide. Invite WIC mothers to breastfeeding classes and support groups. Teach breastfeeding information. Provide basic WIC information, such as breast pump options or refer WIC questions to WIC nutritionists.
Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers. Maintain strict confidentiality of client information. Attend meetings as scheduled and assist with training. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor(s) and/or Breastfeeding Coordinator
Minimum And Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: 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.
Agency Additional Requirements:
The position requires that the individual has breastfed at least one (1) child for a minimum of six (6) months and demonstrates enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Recruited from the target Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) population. Must possess a valid SC Driver’s License and have reliable transportation. Must be available to WIC participants outside the usual working hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). Must be able to travel across the Lowcountry Region to provide coverage as needed.
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 DPH 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Personal breastfeeding experience of six (6) months or longer, enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and recruited from the target population within the community. Ability to work with mothers from diverse backgrounds. Reliable, consistent, self-starter, and motivated. Ability to work as part of a team supporting breastfeeding women.
Additional Comments
EEO: 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.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 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.
STATE DISASTER PLAN: 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.
DRIVING RECORD: 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.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes:
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. Click here for additional information. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices *
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 in the community, workplace, and health care system to pregnant women 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 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 of 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, and 40 weeks' gestation using breastfeeding promotion scripts as a guide. Invite WIC mothers to breastfeeding classes and support groups. Teach breastfeeding information. Provide basic WIC information, such as breast pump options or refer WIC questions to WIC nutritionists.
Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers. Maintain strict confidentiality of client information. Attend meetings as scheduled and assist with training. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor(s) and/or Breastfeeding Coordinator
Minimum And Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: 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.
Agency Additional Requirements:
The position requires that the individual has breastfed at least one (1) child for a minimum of six (6) months and demonstrates enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Recruited from the target Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) population. Must possess a valid SC Driver’s License and have reliable transportation. Must be available to WIC participants outside the usual working hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). Must be able to travel across the Lowcountry Region to provide coverage as needed.
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 DPH 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Personal breastfeeding experience of six (6) months or longer, enthusiastic about breastfeeding, and recruited from the target population within the community. Ability to work with mothers from diverse backgrounds. Reliable, consistent, self-starter, and motivated. Ability to work as part of a team supporting breastfeeding women.
Additional Comments
EEO: 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.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 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.
STATE DISASTER PLAN: 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.
DRIVING RECORD: 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.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions that includes:
- State Retirement Plan ( SCRS )
- State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP )
- Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.