Bilingual Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

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Who we are.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.

What we offer.As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact. No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can:

• 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 Bilingual Breastfeeding Peer Counselorwithin the Columbus Health Departmentat 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 position will be housed in Columbus and may be required to travel to surrounding counties as assigned. This is not a remote position.You will support the Department by utilizing your expertise to fulfill the following 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.
• Attend 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:
•Bilingual (English & Spanish speaking) preferred
•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
All West Central Health District 7 employees are deemed essential workers in the event of an emergency. As such, you may be called on to participate in an event including but not limited to: staffing a shelter, working at a Specimen Point of Collection Site (SPOC) and/or working at a Point of Dispensing site (POD). If you are called on to participate, you are required to report to the designated site as a condition of employment, whether the emergency occurs during or outside regular work hours.

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals.A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, emailDPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.