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County health department seeks to convert WIC breastfeeding peer role to full-time; committee recommends approval to full board
Summary
The health department asked the committee to recommend converting a 1.48 FTE, grant-funded WIC breastfeeding peer arrangement into a single 1.0 full-time benefited position to reduce turnover and improve continuity; the committee recommended the change to the full board.
The Jackson County health department asked the committee to recommend that the full board approve converting a WIC breastfeeding peer role funded at 1.48 FTE (currently shared across part-time staff) into a single 1.0 full-time benefited position.
The health department director explained turnover in the part-time arrangement and said the state grant funds the position; converting to a 40-hour-per-week benefited post is expected to improve continuity for mothers who rely on peer support. The department estimated the incremental annual cost at roughly $2,624 (based on current pay scales and full insurance costs) and said the increase would be covered by the grant and existing local funds; no general-fund request was made.
Why it matters: The director said the peer role is relationship-driven and benefits from continuity because mothers build trust with a single peer worker. The position’s duties include phone/text support and in-person support for breastfeeding families enrolled in WIC.
Committee action: Chair entertained a motion to recommend the change to the full board; the motion passed by voice vote.
What’s next: The request will go to the full board for final approval. The health department agreed to provide documentation of the cost assumptions and grant coverage if requested.
