Lactation Consultant

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

The incumbent in this serves as a Delaware WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PC) in Northern Health Services.  Duties include: giving basic breastfeeding information to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, helping to foster a positive breastfeeding experience while providing encouragement from pregnancy through delivery and discharge. This position also conducts breastfeeding classes sponsored by the WIC program and assists with community outreach.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of every job duty for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visit, in the WIC clinic or other available means at intervals determined by WIC State Agency.
• Receives a caseload of WIC clients and makes routine periodic contacts with all clients assigned.
• Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers including the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and how to get off to a good start as well as how to prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
• Respects each client by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients and maintains appropriate documentation in a neat, orderly and timely manner.
• Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols to the: WIC Nutritionist, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, Lactation Consultant, Mother’s healthcare provider, Public Health programs and social service agencies.
• Attends and assists with prenatal classes and new mother groups. 
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Reads assigned materials provided by supervisor.
• Identifies and attempts to overcome barriers to breastfeeding among WIC participants.
• Assists WIC staff in breastfeeding and peer counseling promotion as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Lactation Consultant
Attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training.

1. Four months experience in breastfeeding at least one child.
2. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

As a condition of employment, all employees must certify that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated by September 30, 2021; or be required to test for COVID-19 on a weekly basis starting on September 30, 2021; or request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination(s) due to health or sincerely held religious beliefs or practices by September 30, 2021.  If hired after September 30, 2021, these certifications or requests must be completed during their initial week of employment. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements. 

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.