Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Description

Support Families. Share Your Experience. Strengthen Community.

Location: Tacoma, WA | On-Site

Hiring Range: $22.60 - $24.86 per hour

Schedule: Full-Time | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Position Close Date: July 1, 2026

At Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA), we believe some of the most meaningful support comes from someone who has walked a similar path. We are seeking a compassionate Breastfeeding Peer Counselor / WIC Certifier (Fill-In) to provide encouragement, education, and support to pregnant and breastfeeding families within our community.

This position is ideal for someone who has personal experience with breastfeeding and the WIC program and is passionate about helping other parents navigate their own infant feeding journeys. As a trusted peer, you will build authentic relationships with families, share practical knowledge, and help strengthen maternal and infant health outcomes through culturally grounded care.

Why You'll Love Working at PTHA

At PTHA, your work matters. Every interaction is an opportunity to support healing, reduce barriers to care, and strengthen the health of our community. We foster a collaborative, supportive, and culturally responsive environment where employees are valued not only for their professional skills, but for the compassion and lived experiences they bring to the work.

Why This Role Matters

Breastfeeding support is about more than providing information. It's about connection, trust, and shared experience. In Indigenous communities, peer support plays a vital role in preserving traditions of caregiving, promoting wellness, and empowering families through community-based knowledge and encouragement. 

What You’ll Do

As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, you will serve as a relatable and supportive resource for expectant and new parents, helping them feel heard, supported, and confident in achieving their feeding goals. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide one-on-one encouragement, education, and support to pregnant and breastfeeding parents.
• Share evidence-based information on breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding, pumping, milk storage, and common challenges.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up through phone calls, virtual communication, in-person visits, and community engagement activities.
• Facilitate educational classes, workshops, and peer support groups.
• Connect families with lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and community resources when additional support is needed.
• Promote family wellness through culturally responsive, strengths-based approaches.
• Complete WIC certifications and recertifications.
• Verify participant eligibility and maintain required documentation.
• Provide nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion, and guidance on WIC benefits and approved foods.
• Obtain and document required health measurements.
• Coordinate referrals and services with nutrition, medical, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records.

Join Our Mission

At PTHA, our mission is to provide quality healthcare and promote wellness in a culturally appropriate manner. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where families can thrive and where community members help uplift one another through shared experience, compassion, and care.

If you're passionate about supporting parents, strengthening families, and serving Indigenous communities through meaningful peer support, we encourage you to apply.

In accordance with federal law, Native American Preference in employment applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Personal breastfeeding experience for at least six (6) months within the past three (3) years
• Personal experience participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
• One (1) year of experience in healthcare, community health, human services, or a related setting
• Current Washington State Medical Assistant Phlebotomist certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Ability to complete Washington State WIC Certifier Competency Training within six (6) months of hire