General Description:

A Breastfeeding Specialist holds the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential issued by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, which enables the IBCLC to handle more complex breastfeeding problems, provide in-service education on lactation information and encouragement to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers.

Qualifications:

• Holds current certification with the IBCLC credential issued by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Has demonstrated leadership and training skills.
• Can work up to 20 hours per week.
• Is willing to work from home.
• Has internet access and an email address

Supervision:

The Breastfeeding Specialist is supervised by Growing Up Together. Technical assistance is provided by the South Dakota Department of Health WIC Program Breastfeeding Coordinator and local WIC office.

Specific Duties:

• Receives referrals from peer counselors and WIC Staff of mothers experiencing complex maternal and infant breastfeeding problems beyond their scope of practice.
• Assesses breastfeeding situations and provides counseling to WIC participants. Provides timely follow-up services to WIC participants by providing evidence-based information.
• Uses Zendesk, an online tracking and communication software, to communicate by text, phone, email and Zoom. May meet in person with participants at local WIC offices.
• Counsel non-English speaking participants using an interpreter, if unable to speak the language.
• Provide expertise to assist Breastfeeding Peer Counselors in new and challenging cases.
• Be available outside usual 8am to 5pm office hours including nights and weekends.
• Follows the IBCLC Scope of Practice as issued by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
• Makes referrals to health professionals with medical concerns beyond the IBCLC Scope of Practice.
• Respects each participant by keeping her information strictly confidential.
• Keep accurate records of all contacts made with WIC participants.
• Provides initial and ongoing breastfeeding training for peer counselors and WIC staff.
• Facilitate breastfeeding classes and/or support groups.
  • Track attendance at classes/groups and report to PCs
• Attend meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
• Participate in annual South Dakota Department of Health HIPAA
• Actively participate in initial and ongoing trainings including:
  • Initial peer counselor training using USDA Breastfeeding curriculum to better understand peer counselor scope of practice.
  • Breastfeeding workshops, presentations, and conferences offered by the SD Department of Health WIC Program.
  • Monthly program Zoom meetings.
• Write a monthly report detailing the months activities and participants contacted from each county.
• Organize quarterly Peer Reviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements for this Position:

• Attend initial training program to become a Breastfeeding Specialist (can have your nursing baby with you). Initial training is typically 20 hours. 
• Available to have flexible schedule to be available for phone calls, texts, email and chat outside of office hours including nights and weekends to support WIC participants (total not more than 20 hours per week).
• Work together with WIC staff and Peer Counselors to develop good communication. Will need to work as a team to handle many things, including referrals and sharing pertinent information about the participant.
• Have internet access and able to create an email address.
• Visit new mothers in the hospital, where applicable.
• Facilitate or assist with virtual breastfeeding class and/or a support group throughout the month.
• Provide office hours weekly to participants in the local WIC office.
• Participate in monthly Zoom meetings for the program.
• Assist with ongoing breastfeeding training for peer counselors and WIC staff.