Post Partum Support Specialist

Care Manager

The Postpartum Support Specialist provides post-partum home or community visitation to individuals and relevant care takers of newborns in Yellowstone County. Using a strengths-based, family-driven approach, the Postpartum Support Specialist primarily supports individuals and families who will benefit from connection, reassurance, and access to community resources during early parenthood rather than high intensity case management. The work is performed with integrity and innovation to ensure a high level of customer service delivery in partnership with internal and external community partners. This role emphasizes relationship-building, warm handoffs to community partners, and strengthening the local network of supports available to families during early parenthood.

Essential Functions/Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides Care Management to clients by identifying individuals who are likely to benefit from effective care management, using criteria applied to the client population, or by client referral by any member of the RiverStone Health team or outside referral agencies

• Performs client assessment and develops individual care plans. Care Plan documentation includes evaluating the client’s medical, psychological, social, financial and educational/employment history, any history of substance abuse and any services currently being received by the patent.

• Maintains active caseload and conducts multiple follow-up calls and/or in-person home visits to monitor client symptoms, provide client education and work on client goals.

• Works to set and document attainable long and short term goals for individual progress.

• Ensure that client have access to primary medical and dental services by assisting them with understanding the role of a primary care provider, general health insurance terminology and how to appropriately use health coverage options.

• Coordinate communication between clients, family members, medical staff, administrative staff, or regulatory agencies.

• Respond to client’s questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

• Explain policies, procedures, or services to improve clients’ medical literacy.

• Identify and refer clients to appropriate community resources and programs.

• Follows up with outside care providers, agencies and community service providers to ensure that the client receives appropriate assistance.

• Track client outcomes using established outcome measures; design and implement strategies to improve outcomes.

• Identify gaps in area services or resources to inform future initiatives supporting families with young children in Yellowstone County.

• Engage in community relationship building and organizing activities that strengthen the local postpartum support network to help normalize postpartum support and reduce stigma around seeking help during early parenthood.

• Attend community meetings, events, or classes to support warm handoffs among clients and their families.

• Conduct community outreach regarding the program, to include presentations, tabling events, information distribution, and more.

• Actively participate in Pathways Hub pilot program, including engagement in project team meetings and feedback sessions.

• Contribute to reports and data collection a required by associated funders, evaluation plans, and Pathways Hub.

Program Specific Duties

• Conduct postpartum visits in a location of the mother’s choosing using a relationship-based and strengths-focused approach. Build trusting relationships that support maternal well-being, parenting confidence, and infant development. Provide education related to postpartum adjustment, maternal mental health, infant care, infant feeding, safe sleep, bonding, and community supports.

• Administer Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) or other approved screenings and discuss results with families.

• Maintain an active caseload and schedule regular follow-up visits or check-ins.

• Identify family-driven goals and provide bridge-to-resource navigation, including referrals to healthcare, community supports, behavioral health, and early childhood services.

• Utilize motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches.

• Protect confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements.

• Support prevention-focused education aligned with Health Promotion priorities.

Education And Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Experience in a community-based services or medical setting

• Any combination of experience and training which provide the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, sociology, human services, psychology, health promotion, public health or closely related field

• Training or certification as a community health worker (CHW)

• Training or certification in lactation support (e.g. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), La Leche League Leader)

• Experience in community organizing, peer support, family support, early childhood programs, or maternal health programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Training or certification in lactation support (e.g. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), La Leche League Leader)

• Experience in community organizing, peer support, family support, early childhood programs, or maternal health programs

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality

• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a positive work environment

• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client/patient interactions

• Ability to display non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills

• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity when providing care and services to clients, maintain awareness of social and/or medical issues, and a willingness to work with underserved, under- or un-insured, and low-income clients, treating each with dignity and respect

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to the situation

• Passion for public health, community health, maternal health and/or related focus areas

• Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, and equipment

Physical Demands And Working Conditions

• Position typically works Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening and weekend hours required

• Frequent standing, bending, sitting, lifting required

• Frequent customer interaction via telephone and in person in office and community

• Frequent travel throughout Yellowstone County to include clinical, community, and client home settings as appropriate

Communications & Networking

• Daily written and verbal communication with clients and their families, co-workers and community partners

• Frequent presentations and outreach with internal and community partners

• Maintain HIPPA compliant records and communication

Budget & Resource Management

• No budgetary authority