WIC Peer Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents..

About Us:

We are located in Southeast Michigan and are one of the fastest growing counties in Michigan. Livingston County consists of 16 townships, 2 villages and 2 cities. The county contains a diverse mix of rural agricultural areas, historic downtowns, suburban development, lake-side living and large recreational lands. Home to two metro parks (Kensington and Huron Meadows), 3 state recreation areas (Island Lake, Brighton, and Pinckney), 1 state park (Lakelands Trail), 2 state game areas, 1 wildlife area, 2 Livingston County parks (Lutz and Fillmore), and numerous local parks, Livingston County has an abundance of recreational opportunities. Livingston County offers 163 park acres per 1,000 residents, more than any other county in Southeast Michigan.

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Public Health Nurse Program Coordinator, this position is responsible for providing breastfeeding counseling to individual WIC participants and to other clients referred from the personal and preventive health services programs.

Benefits with this Position Include:

• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Paid sick days accrued at 1 hour per every 30 hours worked.
• 4 hours of paid personal time per year.
• Up to $300 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Employee Assistance Program

* Pro-rated based on the DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The WIC Peer Counselor position is a part-time, non-union position and starting pay is $19.69/hr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 2 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $24.94/hr. This is a part-time position, with an average of 20 hours per week.

Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Receives a caseload of WIC clients and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned throughout their breastfeeding experience, keeping accurate and confidential documentation of contact with mothers.
2. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone or in the WIC clinic.
3. Provides close contact and follow-up to mothers during the early postnatal period.
4. Provides information and promotes breastfeeding to WIC clients, including providing advice on the aspects of normal breastfeeding and anticipatory guidance to reduce the occurrence of programs.
5. Facilitates the breastfeeding support group and breastfeeding class.
6. Dispenses breast pumps and provides education regarding their use.
7. Identifies the need for referrals to the breastfeeding coordinator or breastfeeding specialist.
8. Attends staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences and workshops as deemed appropriate.
9. Complies with the Department of Public Health's quality improvement policy and actively participates in the quality improvement plan.
10. Keeps accurate and confidential records for all client contacts.
11. Provides advice on the aspects of normal breastfeeding and anticipatory guidance to reduce the occurrence of problems.
12. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma or GED, and one year of previous experience in counseling for health-related services.
• Six months experience of breastfeeding at least one baby and previous WIC participation.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of public health.
• Considerable knowledge of breastfeeding training basics.
• Skill in assembling data, preparing accurate reports, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and performing evaluations and making referrals.
• Skill in performing evaluations and making referrals.
• Ability to participate in ongoing continuing education for breastfeeding.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and the ability to learn software programs utilized by the Department of Public Health.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view, and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop, and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment of this job is a business office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals, and situations while performing required duties.

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships).
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).