State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator (Nutritionist)-61007206

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Serves as the State Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator. Manages the breastfeeding peer counselor program on a state agency level under the supervision of the Nutrition Service Unit Manager.

• Plans and oversees breastfeeding peer counseling program activities. Responsible for training of Women, Infants and Children (WIC) breastfeeding coordinators and peer counselors and overall program planning and management of the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Routinely reports on the program to the State Breastfeeding Coordinator. Assess and analyze existing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Assists in establishing local agency and statewide program goals and objectives. Reviews state and federal regulations/legislative requirements and assists in establishing local agency and statewide peer counseling program protocols and policies. Determines breastfeeding peer counselor staffing needs.
• Assures the recruitment and of peer counselors are in alignment with the program policies and standards. Arranges Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for breastfeeding peer counselors and peer counselor supervisors..
• Evaluates the program, including conducting spot checks and implementing and monitoring quality assurance projects. Provides consultation and technical assistance to local regions, and community agencies.

• Conducts quarterly meetings with breastfeeding peer counselors, supervisors and/or lactation support staff. Provides consultation and technical assistance to local regions, and community agencies. Works with local breastfeeding coordinators to assess for ongoing improvements to the program and collaborative training needs and opportunities.

• Mentors new breastfeeding peer counselors and peer counselor supervisors providing routine follow-up, evaluation, and guidance. Review and monitor compliance.
• Assists in developing a State agency peers counseling budget and allocating funding for local agency peer counseling program activities

• Serves as the subject matter expert for the SCWIC breastfeeding peer counselor modules and TeleWIC platform. Serves as backup subject matter expert for the overall breastfeeding module and TeleWIC platform for clinical staff. Assist and test with enhancement of SCWIC module and TeleWIC platform.

• Assist the Management Evaluation Team with peer counselor audits and evaluate results. Update SC State Plan Manual as needed.

• Collaborates with other bureaus within the agency and outside agencies as it relates to breastfeeding promotion and support. Assist with Outreach for Breastfeeding Month. Other duties assigned related to the position.

• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.

State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, family and consumer sciences, health education or related degree with emphasis on nutrition. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Agency Additional Requirements: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Proficient in the SCWIC Breastfeeding Module platform, including system navigation. Have a recognized breastfeeding credential such as Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) and/or Internal Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Has experience as a Nutritionist in the WIC program.EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for 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. STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. 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. The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay. HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.