Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor II

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) seeks a full-time (35 hours per week) WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor II for the Champaign County WIC program. The selected candidate will give basic chest/breastfeeding information and encouragement to pregnant and lactating participants in the WIC program. This position may include Champaign WIC office and Rantoul & Orchard Downs site coverage as well.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Counsels pregnant and lactating WIC participants in a variety of modalities/settings, including: face-to-face WIC clinic visits, telephone support (call or text), in-home visits, in-hospital visits, and through breastfeeding classes and support groups.

• Gives basic chest/breastfeeding information and support to new parents, including discussing the benefits of chest/breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and concerns, and how to establish early successful chest/breastfeeding.

• Receives a caseload of WIC participants and makes regular contact with each participant, following WIC guidance and policy for contact frequency.

• Refers pregnant and lactating WIC participants to the WIC designated breastfeeding expert, health care providers, or other community support programs, according to District protocol, staying within breastfeeding peer counselor scope of practice.

• Pursues chest/breastfeeding educational development opportunities (webinars, reading materials, etc.), as approved by supervisor, to stay up-to-date with current research/recommendations in order to provide effective, evidence-based lactation care.

• Assists with training and mentoring Level I Breastfeeding Peer Counselors.

• Assists Level I Breastfeeding Peer Counselors with screening and follow-up of participants experiencing problems to determine appropriate yielding to the WIC designated breastfeeding expert.

• Receives referrals of situations that do not require yielding to the WIC designated breastfeeding expert, including accepting referrals outside of normal WIC clinic hours.

• Public Health Emergency Response Responsibilities: All District employees must be able to respond to public health emergencies when needed and appropriate. During an emergency response, employee may be assigned to a role in either operations, logistics, or administration by the Incident Commander and/or Section Chief in addition to regular duties.

• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Two years of experience providing breastfeeding support to individuals.

• AND be a Certified lactation counselor, certified lactation specialist, or have a similar breastfeeding credential.

• Personal experience successfully chest/breastfeeding at least one (1) infant, for at least six (6) months.

• Current or former WIC participant.

• Enthusiastic about chest/breastfeeding and wants to help other lactating parents have a positive chest/breastfeeding experience.

CUPHD provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• health, dental, and vision insurance with enrollment beginning on the employee’s first day of employment

• 14 paid holidays per year

• 12 sick days earned per year

• 15 days of paid time off earned in the first year of employment

• short-term and long-term disability benefits

• comprehensive pension plan offered through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)

• CUPHD offers qualified bilingual employees’ additional compensation once approved.

The expected hourly is $18.04. Full hourly range for Class 3 Breastfeeding Peer Counselor II is $18.04 - $24.35 for a 35-hour week.

To apply, go to: https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6173898.careers?CareersSearch. Applicants may also come in to apply online at CUPHD, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820. For full consideration, you must complete the application process.

Men, Women, Veterans, and individuals of all abilities are encouraged to apply. CUPHD also strongly encourages people of color, transgender, and non-binary people to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you need accommodations to apply, please contact LaTasha Aragon at laragon@c-uphd.org. CUPHD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to join its team.

All employees must be fully vaccinated with the most-up-to-date (September 2025 and beyond) influenza (seasonally). All other vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. Vaccinations taken prior to September 2025 will not be accepted. Proof of vaccinations must be on file with Human Resources prior to start date.