WIC Lactation Counselor at Missoula County, MT

About the Department

This is a part-time opportunity with many benefits!   As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The rate of pay for this position is $19.93 per hour.
 
The Missoula County WIC Office is seeking a LACTATION COUNSELOR to join their team. This position provides lactation information, counseling and encouragement to pregnant women and breastfeeding people in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program in the Nutrition Unit of the Health Services Division of the Missoula City-County Health Department.
 
Details: Priority screening will begin on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. It is in your best interest to apply by this date. Applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established, or the position has been filled.

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is requested.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, and a resume.
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Position Duties

Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding people on managing common breastfeeding problems and yields appropriately, by telephone or in the WIC clinic at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC program. Teaches infant feeding classes to WIC participants. Provides information on the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, getting a good start with breastfeeding, hunger cues, hand expression, bottle feeding, and safe mixing of formula. Handles a caseload of WIC participants and makes routine periodic telephone contacts with all clients assigned. Accepts referrals requiring follow up care for lactation counseling. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made and advice given to WIC participants. Maintains strict confidentiality. Assesses and evaluates common maternal and infant breastfeeding problems that may occur. Makes referrals to the WIC breastfeeding coordinator; to public health home visiting certified lactation counselors or primary health care provider.  Issues breast pumps following agency protocols for WIC participants who are separated from their babies or who are experiencing breastfeeding problems, making appropriate referrals when more complex problems occur. Maintains an inventory of breast pumps. Maintains Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program database. Manages new baby referral system for WIC program. Responsible for receiving, sorting and routing referrals to the appropriate team member. Responsible for data collection, tracking, and generating reports. Maintains current knowledge on this subject; reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding provided by the supervisor; attends on-going training, staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as assigned. May provide training and assistance to new peer counselors. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned. OTHER DUTIES: Collaborates in the development of and contributes to individual, team, and departmental quality improvement, performance management, and evaluation activities. Participates in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans. May work within the incident command structure during emergencies. May be responsible for program promotion through social media. May make public presentations. May coordinate the use of media communications. Performs related work as required or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required. 
• Requires one year of experience working with general public. Requires experience in breastfeeding one or more children; preferably for six months or more within the past ten years. Must be currently enrolled in the WIC program or have history of such enrollment. 
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases, and a TB test. 

Other Qualifications

Works primarily in an office type setting. Work is performed in a high activity and often noisy work environment. Requires intermittent remote evening and weekend work to be available to breastfeeding participants as part of the normal work schedule; requires conversation time on the phone and frequent communication via text message; requires the ability to travel in-town and occasional out-of-town events; requires occasional lifting, up to 25# (ex: audio visual equipment, written materials.) May risk recurring exposure to communicable diseases.

Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in a scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.  
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.