Under direction, leads and provides specialized breastfeeding support and consultation, information and education services to clients of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in accordance with California WIC program requirements; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
An employee in this class acts as a subject matter lead and expert for the WIC breastfeeding program while also performing the more difficult breastfeeding counseling and education duties. Incumbents must be certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Conducts assessments of mothers and infants at high risk for breastfeeding complications and provides counseling to WIC clients, either in person or over the phone; determines physical or other impediments to successful breastfeeding.
Develops a care plan and conducts follow up assessments, including monitoring weight and health of the baby to ensure that both mother and baby are healthy; documents assessments and notes case progress in the case file; when necessary, refers mothers to qualified medical professionals.
Serves as a lead worker by assigning and monitoring the work of subordinate Breastfeeding Counselors and/or other WIC staff; ensures that staff are properly trained and are providing accurate breastfeeding information to clients; may provide input on employee performance; may assist with the selection of new employees.
Conducts in-service instruction for program staff, interns, volunteers and others regarding the appropriate delivery of breastfeeding services.
Assists the Program Coordinator in monitoring and evaluating program and service delivery to ensure compliance with State requirements; assists in the formulation of program goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
Maintains an advanced knowledge base in the area of breastfeeding; serves as an expert technical resource to guide program, community and support staff.
Participates in the development and evaluation of breastfeeding promotion and education services; provides breastfeeding education to clients, 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.
May assist the Program Coordinator with the development of grant proposals and other administrative projects.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses and Certificates: Current certification as a Lactation Consultant by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners; and possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Current principles and practices of breastfeeding counseling, lactation management; and the benefits of breastfeeding; the nutritional needs of infants and nursing women; breast feeding problems and solutions; office administrative principles and practices, including the use of computers in a clinical setting; effective communication skills.
ABILITY
Assess clients to identify their breastfeeding risks; counsel and advise clients on a wide variety of breastfeeding practices and topics; help clients resolve breastfeeding problems; provide guidance to other program staff; exercise patience and tact while interacting with staff, clients and the general public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility - Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional standing for long periods of time; occasional driving of a vehicle. Frequency of Lifting - Occasional lifting of 5 to 30 lbs. Visual Requirements - Constant need for overall vision and close up work; frequent need for hand/eye coordination; occasional use of color perception, depth perception and field of vision/peripheral vision. Dexterity - Frequent holding, repetitive motion and writing; occasional reaching and grasping. Hearing/Talking - Constant haring of normal speech, hearing on the telephone/radio and talking on the telephone; frequent hearing of faint sounds; frequent talking in person. Emotional/Psychological Factors - Constant public contact; frequent decision making, concentration; occasional working alone, traveling, exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief and death. Special Requirements – may work varied shifts, including weekends, holidays and extended schedules, due to emergencies; Environmental Conditions – frequent exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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