Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Breast Feeding Peer Counselor

-Contact WIC breastfeeding moms in hospital/clinic, through home visits, and or by  telephone within 24-72 hours, 3-6 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 once a month thereafter as long as the mom is breastfeeding.

-Refer breastfeeding moms and or infants with complex breastfeeding situations to the breastfeeding coordinator or designated breastfeeding expert.

-Make prenatal contacts by telephone at 27, 31, 35, 39, 40, and 41 weeks gestation; Invite WIC mothers to breastfeeding classes and support groups. 

-Teach breastfeeding information to provide basic WIC information, such as breast pump options or referring to WIC questions to WIC Nutritionist..

-Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers; maintain strict confidentiality of client information; attend meetings as scheduled and assist with trainings.

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: High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma(GED) and preferred requirement: Breastfed at least (1) one baby and is enthusiastic about breastfeeding. Must successfully complete Loving Support Through Peer Counseling: A Journey Together if selected for position. 

This position is part of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. The work performed supports DHEC’s mission to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and the environment. Effective July 1, 2024, this position will transfer to the South Carolina Department of Public Health created by Senate Bill 399 which provides for the creation of the Department of Public Health to assume the public health-related functions of DHEC. 

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.
 
Equal Employment: SC DHEC is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency.  We are committed to a diverse workforce.  SC DHEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation: Applicants needing an accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for an 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.  

Immunization Requirements: 

All new employees who are healthcare providers will be required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control offers an exceptional benefits package for temporary hourly positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Primary Member, Spouse, and Children (must average at least 30 hours a week to be eligible)

• State Retirement Plan