WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

Job Description

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WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

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WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I

Salary

$31,111.11 - $46,802.52 Annually

Location

17 - DESOTO COUNTY, MS

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

9594-0301-20260814DO

Department

0301 - HEALTH BOARD

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

9/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

Agency Minimum Salary

$31,111.11

Agency Maximum Salary

$46,802.52

About the Agency

The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to recruitment@msdh.ms.gov.

About the Position

The Mississippi State Department of Health is seeking a Public Health Program Specialist I to serve as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I in District I. This position will be based in DeSoto County and will also serve WIC participants in Marshall and Tate counties by providing breastfeeding education, encouragement, and peer support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants.

Primary duties include:

* Providing routine breastfeeding education, assistance, and peer support to WIC participants.
* Establishing rapport with participants and supporting their breastfeeding goals.
* Explaining the benefits of breastfeeding and providing reassurance regarding common breastfeeding concerns.
* Developing individualized care plans in accordance with WIC Breastfeeding Program guidelines.
* Maintaining ongoing contact with participants in WIC clinics and by telephone.
* Traveling weekly among assigned WIC locations in DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate counties.
* Supporting the daily operation of the WIC Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Program.
* Coordinating with WIC staff and referring participants to appropriate clinical or program resources when their needs fall outside the Peer Counselor's authorized role.

What you'll need to be Successful

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trusting, supportive relationships. Empathy, patience, active listening, and respect for participants' individual circumstances and feeding decisions. Clear verbal communication and the ability to explain information in an encouraging, understandable manner. Reliability and the ability to maintain regular participant contact. Adaptability when working across multiple clinics and counties. Effective organization, time management, and multitasking skills. Sound judgment and the ability to recognize when a participant should be referred to WIC clinical staff or another healthcare professional. Ability to follow established program guidelines, maintain appropriate boundaries, and protect confidential information. Ability to work independently while remaining part of a coordinated WIC service team. Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with participants from diverse backgrounds.
* Possess strong interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
* Be able to work at least 80% of assigned hours at designated WIC locations.
* Be available to provide approved telephone support to WIC participants, which may include contact outside regular clinic hours.
* Have reliable access to a telephone.
* Have reliable transportation and the abi