Healthy Start Lactation Counselor

About the role

Join our team at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and experience world-class patient care at its best. Located in sunny Florida's Treasure Coast, Indian River Hospital is committed to providing optimal family- and community-focused services. Here, you will be part of a collaborative, compassionate, and innovative team of caregivers. You will work with state-of-the-art technology and will build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world. The Healthy Start Coalition at Indian River Hospital offers a variety of programs and services to support pregnant women and families with children under three years old. As a Lactation Counselor, you will provide in-home breastfeeding and bedside support for new mothers. You will provide them with essential education and assistance to help prevent and handle common lactation concerns through individualized teaching lessons and services. This role offers an excellent avenue in which to enhance your nursing skills while making a lasting difference in the lives of parents and their babies every day. A PRN caregiver in this position works varying shifts, including 3rd shift hours, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic lactation instruction, support and anticipatory guidance to new mothers promoting optimal breastfeeding.
• Educate and assist mothers to prevent and handle common lactation concerns at the bedside, in individualized education sessions and subsequent telephone calls.
• Encourage clients to participate in the TLC newborn program which provides further postpartum guidance and support.
• Create and maintain a positive image of the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and the Healthy Start programs.
• Respect each participant by keeping information strictly confidential.
• Keep accurate records of all contact made with clients.
• Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation in a timely manner according to guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain various reports and documents using computer applications when applicable with attention to detail.
• Participate in required continuing education and program trainings provided by CCIRH and the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition (including staff meetings).
• Refer mothers, according to established protocols, to the IBCLC, physician, nurse and community resources as necessary.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• Valid Driver's License (VDL), reliable transportation and a personal vehicle
• Certified Lactation Counselor through an accredited program
• Experience working with breastfeeding mothers/infants, child development and maternal health
• Experience with Health Families or Healthy Start intake and assessments
• Knowledge of community resources, maternal and child health systems and home visiting programs in Indian River County
• Knowledge of programs, policies and legislation on state, national and international levels that promote, protect and support breastfeeding

Preferred qualifications

• Spanish fluency
• One to two years of related experience

Physical requirements

• May need to move around intermittently during the day, including sitting, standing, stooping, bending and ambulating.
• May need to remain still for extended periods, including sitting and standing.
• Work evenings and weekends may be required.
• May need to lift boxes or carry objects.
• Possess dexterity to operate a PC and other office equipment.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.