The WIC Program is hiring intermittent Breastfeeding/Chest feeding Peer Counselors for a hybrid position that combines primarily work-from-home duties with some in-person responsibilities. Peer Counselors provide one-on-one support to clients throughout the normal course of human lactation during the first year of life. Through phone calls and text communication, counselors reinforce evidence-based lactation recommendations. Peer Counselors share build trust and meaningful connections within the community.
This intermittent opportunity offers up to 30 hours per pay period, with varying schedules that may include evenings and weekends based on client needs.
A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional person who gives basic lactation information, encouragement, and support to pregnant and chest/breastfeeding WIC program participants. Peer counselors are mothers who have personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to provide basic lactation information and support others with whom they share or have shared socioeconomic status, language, and/or race or ethnicity. Peer counselors reinforce chest/breastfeeding recommendations in a socially and culturally appropriate context and promote breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the child; and perform related duties as assigned.
- Provide lactation support through one-to-one counseling via telephone calls, text messaging, and/or face-to-face meetings at a Ramsey County WIC clinic. One-to-one counseling includes; basic lactation information and support to new mothers including explaining the benefits of breastfeeding, how to overcome barriers, and how to get a good start with breastfeeding.
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Help clients prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns. (Examples: sore nipples, poor latch, inadequate infant weight gain, milk supply concerns, etc.)
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Communicate with WIC clients outside usual clinic hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as necessary.
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Manage a caseload of WIC participants and make routine periodic contact with all assigned clients as necessary.
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Maintain accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.
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Make and receive telephone calls/text messages, and e-mails from home as needed from a WIC assigned cell phone.
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Submit invoices, activity logs and close files in a timely manner.
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Maintain regular contact with WIC Lactation Specialist and Nutrition Specialist– WIC.
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May assist with promotion of the peer grant or breastfeeding classes through special activities led by the WIC Lactation Specialist or Nutrition Specialist - WIC.
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Read assigned study materials provided by WIC Lactation Specialist or Nutrition Specialist - WIC.
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Attend all required training and monthly Peer Breastfeeding Counselor staff meetings.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11.
Education: High school graduation or equivalent.
Experience: Six months of customer service experience.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Other: Must have a minimum of 6 months of experience breastfeeding at least one baby exclusively. The applicant does not have to be currently breastfeeding. Must have been or currently be a client of the WIC program.
Fluent in Karen, Somali, Spanish and/or Hmong (depending on assignment).
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
The examination for WIC Peer Breastfeeding Counselor will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a WIC Peer Breast Feeding Counselor. The list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 45 or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
