Lactation Consultant

Requisition Number: 5777
Position Title:
External Description:
Job Summary:
The Lactation Consultant will practice within the framework defined by the IBCLE Code of Ethics, the Clinical Competencies for IBCLC practice and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) Standards of Practice for IBCLC's. Supervised by the Director of Women's Services, the Lactation Consultant is responsible for the delivery of patient care through the breastfeeding assessment, diagnosis, planning and evaluation. The Lactation Consultant will promote and support the implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as outlined by WHO/ UNICEF and will adhere to the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes. The Lactation Consultant will support the organization's vision and mission; providing high quality cost effective healthcare for the people in the communities we serve.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Currently certified as Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) in process of IBCLC Certification
• Four-year college degree - preferably in medical field but not required
• LA City Fire Card within 30-days of hire
• Current BLS certification
• Infant CPR certification (may be obtained during unit orientation)

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

• The Lactation Consultant is required to keep up-to-date on continuing education credits required by ILCA to maintain IBCLC or CLE status.
• The Lactation Consultant is required to belong to a professional organization, ILCA or as decided by the Women's Services Director.

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of previous experience working with lactating mothers providing breastfeeding assessment, consultation, and information to new mothers.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation and is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
• Provides holistic, evidence based breastfeeding support and care for women, children and families
• Performs comprehensive maternal, infant and feeding assessments related to lactation: recognizing and responding appropriately to deviations from the norm
• Develops and implements individualized feeding plans in consultation with the mother and the health care team
• Provides up to date, evidence based information regarding the mother's use, during lactation of medications (over the counter & prescribed),alcohol, tobacco and street drugs, and their potential impact on milk production and child safety
• Selects appropriate breastfeeding related supplies e.g. nipple shields. Oversees and organizes breast pump usage and rental (if applicable)
• Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure high quality patient care delivery
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies that protect, promote and support breastfeeding and breast milk intake
• Participates in Quality Improvement initiatives. Promotes and supports the successful implementation and sustainability of the Baby-Friendly USA 10 steps to Successful Breastfeeding and adheres to the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes.
• Attends and actively participates in VPH staff meetings. Participates appropriately in communication and decision making activities relating to infant feeding practices.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Keeps clear, accurate contemporaneous records. Documenting in patient's medical records or nursing notes as required.
• Provides education for women, families, health care professionals and the community about breastfeeding and human lactation. Plans, teaches and evaluates classes for expectant and newly breastfeeding mothers and actively participates in staff education.
• Strictly adheres to HIPPA regulations at all times
• Provides telephone advice and support for mothers following discharge from VPH
• Ensures continuity of care by providing information about support resources in the community
• Supports hospital employees who are breastfeeding; is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the employee lactation lounge.
• Maintains knowledge and skills through regular continuing education

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which many consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites.
• Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.
• Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances. Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.
• Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death.
• Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.
• Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper/pager, and/or phone
• This position requires proper use of personal protective equipment when there is possible exposure to hazards such as body fluids, blood or infectious disease.
• Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with/without moving parts.

Salary Range: $39.50 - $46.99 per hour
City: Van Nuys
State: California
Community / Marketing Title:Lactation Consultant
Company Profile:
EEO Employer Verbiage:
Location_formattedLocationLong: Van Nuys, California US
Job Number: 76560