WIC Peer Counselor

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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 & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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).

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

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.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 8/21/2026 11:59 PM Central