The State agency ensures that the State Peer Counselor Coordinator has all of the following qualifications:

1. Holds a Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in any health or nutrition-related field.
2. Has successfully completed specialized training in lactation management and care (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is preferred, but individual may be exam-eligible or have successfully completed other State-approved specialized training).
3. Has experience in program management.
4. Has experience in breastfeeding management and promotion.

The State agency ensures that the State Peer Counselor Coordinator performs the following roles and responsibilities (depending on a State agency’s organization, another staff member may perform some of these responsibilities):

1. Assists in establishing peer counseling program goals and objectives at the State level.
2. Assists in establishing standardized breastfeeding peer counseling program policies and procedures consistent with the Loving Support Model for a Successful Peer Counseling Program.
3. Plans and oversees breastfeeding peer counseling program activities (program implementation and evaluation, and staff training, etc.).
4. Assists in developing a State agency peer counseling budget and allocating funding for local agency peer counseling program activities.
5. Provides guidance and technical assistance to local agencies to ensure that they meet program goals and follow policies and procedures established for the peer counseling program.
6. Identifies and coordinates community partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of the peer counseling program.