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Career Opportunities

What is WIC?

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women; infants; and children up to 5 years of age. To qualify for WIC benefits, applicants must be income-eligible and have an identified nutrition risk. Congress began funding WIC in 1974.

For those who qualify for the program, WIC provides nutritional assessment, counseling, and education; specific foods high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamin A and C; and referral to health care and social services.

WIC Works!

WIC is a gateway to good health. The WIC Program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States.

Collective findings of studies, reviews and reports demonstrate that WIC:

  • Improves birth outcomes and savings in health care costs;
  • Improves diet and diet-related outcomes;
  • Improves infant feeding practices;
  • Improves cognitive development;
  • Improves preconceptional nutritional status; and
  • Results in better overall health care, such as earlier prenatal care, increased immunization, and regular source of health care.

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WIC as a Career Opportunity

WIC offers:

  • Participation in an effective and dynamic program.
  • Job diversity - counselor, manager, educator, consultant
  • Career mobility and advancement positions both in Alabama and nationwide.
  • Full-time and part-time positions
  • Excellent Alabama state employee benefits
  • Cost of living and merit system pay increases.
  • Annual leave and sick leave
  • Retirement benefits
  • Networking with other healthcare and community professionals
  • On-going client relationships than enable you to see positive changes in behavioral and health status.
  • Expanding horizons and exposure to people of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Specialist positions (example: breastfeeding coordinator)
  • Local, state and national continuing education opportunities

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Current State WIC Office Job Openings

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What Does a WIC Nutritionist Do?

Individual Nutrition Counseling

  • Prenatal Nutrition
  • Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
  • Healthy Food Choices
  • Infant Feeding
  • High-risk Pregnancies
  • Special Needs Children

Nutrition Education

  • Agency Nutrition Plans
  • Lesson Plan Development
  • Nutrition Classes and Demos
  • Breastfeeding Support Classes

Material Development

  • Pamphlets
  • Posters
  • Newsletters
  • Videos

Coordination with Other Health Care and Community Services

  • Advisory Committees
  • Referral Networks
  • Program Outreach

Program Management

  • Budget Planning
  • Caseload Management
  • Grant Writing
  • Staff Supervision and Training

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Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

What is a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?

  • A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information, education, support, and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers.

What Does a Peer Counselor Do?

  • Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine, periodic contacts with all mothers assigned
  • Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including explaining the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding
  • Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns
  • Counsels pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers by telephone and/or in the WIC clinic at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC clinic
  • Is available outside of WIC clinic hours for mothers who are having breastfeeding difficulties
  • Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential
  • Maintains accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers
  • Refers mothers as needed according to clinic-established protocols
  • Attends and assists with prenatal classes, breastfeeding classes, and support groups
  • Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate
  • Continues education following agency-approved guidelines
  • May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor(s) and/or Breastfeeding Coordinator

What Are the Qualifications?

  • Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding)
  • Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Available to work 10-20 hours a week
  • High School Diploma or GED

What Training is Provided?

  • Completes Levels 1 and 2 of the FNS (USDA Food and Nutrition Services) WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum
  • Observes other peer counselors and breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed
  • Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding

How to Apply:

  • Go to https://www.personnel.alabama.gov/Jobs
  • Enter “40109” in the search box
  • Click “HEALTH SPECIALIST – HOURLY”
  • Print the second page, Health Specialist – Hourly – 40109 Questionnaire, and complete the questionnaire
  • Click “Apply Online” in top, left hand corner of the job announcement and follow the prompts to set up an OES account & complete the application
  • Once online application is submitted, print completed application
  • Sign and date the printed application
  • Return the application and questionnaire together to the State of Alabama Personnel Department by mail, fax, or hand delivery. See below for address & fax number.

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Contact Information

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Women, Infants, and Children
www.fns.usda.gov/wic

About the Alabama WIC Program

Alabama Department of Public Health-WIC
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1300
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Post Office Box 303017
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-3017
Phone: (334) 206-5673
Fax: (334) 206-2914

About a Job Application

The State of Alabama
Personnel Department
64 North Union Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Phone: (334) 242-3389

To download an application, visit The Alabama State Personnel Department.
Print and fax application to:
Personnel Department
Fax: (334) 242-1110

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Page last updated: September 1, 2022