Lactation Consultant

Overview

The Position:
Under general direction, is responsible for organization and implementation of breastfeeding education services for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program, and other programs within the department as needed.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in health education, community health, social services, or a closely related field, and (1) one year of experience in community public health nutrition or in providing breastfeeding training for individuals, families and/or groups.

Licenses And

Certifications:

Valid Driver's License. Possession of International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) certification or Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) certification.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Principles and practices of public health administration particularly related to public health education program implementation and teaching.

Applicable federal, state and local laws, code, rules, and regulations pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.

Clinical nutrition and human physiology.

Human lactation.

Community nutrition.

Strategies for nutrition/breast-feeding education and counseling.

Principles and practices of program management including development, funding, grant proposal and budget monitoring and program evaluation.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and County staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

• Performing nutrition assessments, determine nutritional requirements, and provide client education.
• Understanding, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Planning, coordination, implementing and evaluating the WIC program.
• Exercising sound independent judgement within general policy guidelines.
• Establishing, maintaining, and fostering positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel; speak and hear; use shape perception and discrimination.
• Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

• Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring and training, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Implements the WIC nutritionist program in conformance with state and federal guidelines.
• Provides breastfeeding education, both one-on-one and in group settings, to discuss the advantages of breastfeeding, educate mothers on medical or other problems that might be encountered during nursing, and explain the nutritional needs of nursing women and babies.
• Provides nutritional counseling, infant feeding assessment, and education within the WIC program.
• Assists the program manager in ensuring the clinic staff are properly trained and are providing accurate breastfeeding information to WIC clients; stay informed of current issues and trends in the lactation field.
• Coordinates and conducts educational programs internal to County government, community-based agencies, populations at risk, and the general public.
• Provides consultation to physicians, public health nurses and other department personnel regarding the promotion and support of breastfeeding in the community and problems…