| Location | Panola County, MS |
| Salary | $31,111.11–$48,114.74 Per Year |
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor I - Panola/Tate Counties
Salary
$31,111.11 - $48,114.74 Annually
Location
54 - PANOLA COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9594-0301-20260831Pa
Department
0301 - HEALTH BOARD
Opening Date
09/09/2026
Closing Date
9/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$31,111.11
Agency Maximum Salary
$48,114.74
About the Agency
The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being, and safety of everyone in Mississippi. Questions about this position can be directed to recruitment@msdh.ms.gov
About the Position
This is a time limited position. The Mississippi State Department of Health is seeking a Public Health Program Specialist I to serve as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor supporting Panola and Tate Counties. This position provides peer-based breastfeeding education, encouragement, and support to pregnant and breastfeeding participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Responsibilities include providing routine breastfeeding education, assistance, and counseling; developing individualized participant care plans in accordance with WIC Breastfeeding Program guidelines; providing telephone support to WIC participants; following up with participants regarding breastfeeding needs and concerns; maintaining required program documentation; coordinating with WIC staff and other healthcare professionals; and traveling between assigned service locations as needed. This position is based in Panola County and provides coverage for Panola and Tate Counties. This is a time-limited, non-state service position (NS-14)
What youll need to be Successful
Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with pregnant and breastfeeding participants; provide supportive and culturally responsive peer counseling; establish positive working relationships with participants, families, WIC staff, and community partners; maintain confidentiality; organize and manage participant follow-up activities; maintain accurate documentation; work independently while following WIC program policies and supervisory direction; travel between assigned service locations; and provide telephone-based participant support when needed. Successful candidates should demonstrate empathy, dependability, good judgment, active listening, patience, organization, and a genuine interest in helping mothers achieve positive breastfeeding experiences. Are willing and able to complete required WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor training.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience. Applicants who do not possess the stated degree may still be considered if they have received approval through the Mississippi State Personnel Board's sub-panel process based on the substantial equivalent of education, training, and experience. Applicants seeking information regarding the sub-panel process may contact MSPB at subpanel@mspb.ms.gov. Any applicable MSPB sub-panel approval must be provided and verified as part of the qualification review. In addition to meeting the applicable MSPB minimum qualifications or having an approved MSPB equivalency/substitution, preference may be given to applicants who: Have successfully breastfed at least one child for six months or longer. Have education or experience in public health, health education, nutrition, maternal and child health, family and consumer sciences, social services, community health, or a closely related field. Have experience providing peer support, health education, counseling, outreach, or services to pregnant or postpartum women and families. Have experience working with WIC or another maternal and child health, nutrition, or community-based program. Have reliable transportation for travel between assigned service locations.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of related experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406