WIC Peer Counselor

City of San Marcos, TX; New Braunfels (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Marcos, TX is seeking a WIC Peer Counselor to deliver breastfeeding education and support, assist with eligibility and benefit issuance, and help maintain accurate client records within the WIC program.

You will provide nutrition education assistance, conduct classes, and participate in outreach while ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines in a busy clinic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 6 months of experience in customer service, clerical work, or health-related programs or equivalent training/experience.
• Experience breastfeeding or expressing milk for at least one child.
• Must be a member of the target population and eligible for paraprofessional training; cannot hold healthcare/nutrition lactation credentials.
• Ability to work/travel outside regular clinic hours and beyond WIC locations.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provides breastfeeding education, encouragement, and support to WIC participants.
• Issues and explains WIC benefits; assists with eligibility screening and income verification.
• Schedules and coordinates WIC appointments; processes program documentation and maintains client records.
• Performs data entry, generates reports, and answers multi-line phones.
• Issues, fits, and instructs clients in breast pumps and aids; refers complex issues to lactation professionals.
• T eaches breastfeeding and nutrition education classes; participates in community outreach.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary clinic environment, restocking supplies and reporting facility issues.
• Obtains participant measurements and/or blood samples as assigned.
• Performs other related duties to support program operations.

Skills

Breastfeeding education

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The WIC Peer Counselor facilitates the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program by providing breastfeeding education, encouragement, and support, as well as clerical and customer service duties. This position facilitates program operations, promotes positive participant experiences, and ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines through breastfeeding counseling, eligibility screening, benefit issuance, and nutrition education assistance.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Provides breastfeeding education, encouragement, and support to WIC participants, including instruction on proper techniques and resolving common breastfeeding challenges.
• Issues and explains WIC benefits; assists with eligibility screening and income verification.
• Schedules and coordinates WIC appointments; processes program documentation and maintains accurate client records.
• Performs data entry, generates reports, and answers multi-line phones to assist callers.
• Issues, fits, and instructs clients in the use of breast pumps and other aids; refers complex issues to lactation professionals.
• Teaches breastfeeding and nutrition education classes; participates in community outreach activities.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary clinic environment, including restocking supplies and reporting facility issues.
• Obtains participant measurements and/or blood samples as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support program operations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Six (6) months of prior experience in customer service, clerical work, or health-related programs; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for at least one child.
• Must be a member of the target population and eligible for paraprofessional training; cannot hold licensure or credentials as a healthcare, nutrition, or lactation professional.
• Ability to work/travel outside regular clinic hours and beyond WIC clinic locations.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with acceptable driving record; or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a public health or social services environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and common challenges.
• Ability to read, process, and prepare program records and documentation accurately.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with program personnel, outside agencies, and participants.
• Skill in handling sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires lifting up to 30 pounds occasionally. Frequent activities include sitting, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, pushing/pulling, reaching, and carrying. Rare activities include kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and using foot controls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in a clinic setting with exposure to infectious diseases and occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and irate individuals.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to health and safety protocols.

Immunizations are recommended but not mandatory. The WIC program covers costs for those who choose to receive them, and team members may decline any or all immunizations.