WIC Lactation Counselor

Definition

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.
To Apply:

• 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.

Representative Examples of Work

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.

Physical/Environmental Demands

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.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits- Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan- Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System- Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)- A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave- Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave- Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays- The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

• 

• Missoula County

• 406-258-3293

Show more