Address
Form of work
SalaryDescription
- SALARY$38.01 - $45.60 Hourly
$79,339.78 - $95,166.41 AnnuallyBilingual allowance, when applicable
The Public Health Department Nutrition Services Program is accepting applications to fill one (1) Part-Time (75%) Lactation Consultant position in Santa Maria. Independent travel may be required on occasion.
We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra-Help (temporary) and 1414 vacancies for Lactation Consultants in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc.
Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this recruitment and pass the required selection steps, your name will be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed you are willing to work.
POSITION: Lactation Consultants conduct breastfeeding assessments either in person or over the phone; counsel and provide clients with solutions to problems such as insufficient weight gain, cleft palate and prematurity in infants and mastitis in nursing mothers; provide clients of the County Health Care Centers and Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) with up-to-date information regarding breastfeeding; and perform related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a journey-level classification responsible for providing consultation, information, and education to WIC clients regarding breastfeeding. Lactation Consultants are responsible for counseling high-risk clients on more complex issues and problems and are distinguished from Health Education Assistant, Seniors in the WIC program, who primarily counsel low-risk program participants on nutrition and breast-feeding, conduct routine classes, and perform other program support functions.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will:- Have experience providing nutrition and breastfeeding education and support using Participant Centered Education principles and techniques.
- Possess an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.
- Have experience working with low-income families.
- Possess Bilingual skills in English & Spanish, which are desirable, but not a requirement.
- NOTE: The hiring department may test you on your fluency.
To learn more about Nutrition Services please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/1831/Nutrition-ServicesClick Here to learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department and follow us on Social Media to stay up-to-date.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For more information, click on the Benefits Tab above or Click Here.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
Examples of Duties
- Conducts assessments of mothers and infants at high risk for breastfeeding complications and provides counseling to clients either in person at clinics, 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 child are healthy; documents assessments and notes case progress in the case file; when necessary, refers mothers to qualified medical professionals; provides physicians with written case summaries.
- Provides breastfeeding education, 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.
- Participates in outreach activities to increase public awareness and to gain community support for the breastfeeding program; develops educational and informational materials; makes presentations to groups and individuals to provide program information and promote the benefits of breastfeeding; serves as a technical resource to the general public, WIC staff, and representatives from other county and community health agencies.
Employment Standards
Successful completion of a Lactation Educator course from an accredited college or university or other recognized professional program; AND,
- Completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university in a variety of the following areas: health, education, nutrition, sociology, biology, psychology, education, nursing, child development, or a closely related field; AND two years of experience providing breastfeeding assessment, consultation, and information to new mothers; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Independent travel will be required.
Knowledge of: human lactation and breastfeeding; nutritional needs of infants and nursing women; common breastfeeding problems, including medical and physical conditions which may impede breastfeeding and best practice protocols to solve problems; community resources available to assist and provide treatment to nursing women; counseling techniques; educational methods appropriate for program participants; methods of assessing problems and developing care plans; correct application and operation of breast pumps; standard English usage; common office software programs.
Ability to: accurately evaluate information and draw logical conclusions; read and interpret program rules and regulations; identify medical problems or other common barriers to successful breastfeeding; establish rapport with and motivate individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; prepare and maintain client records; maintain client confidentiality; develop educational materials; communicate effectively both orally and in written format; speak persuasively before groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and members of the community; work independently.
Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a dietitian registration from the American Dietetic Association and the ability to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish are highly desirable.Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:
- Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and auto-scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 02/08/24, by 4:59 P.M. PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
Public Health Department, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org
Retirement Plans
- Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com
- Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits
- Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
- County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits
- To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://ca-santabarbaracounty.civicplus.pro/3085/SEIU-Local-620
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
- 01I acknowledge it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards, there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
- I understand.
02As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.- I understand.
03The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.- I understand.
04Your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS for this position or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?Successful completion of a Lactation Educator course from an accredited college or university or other recognized professional program; AND:- Completion of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university in a variety of the following areas: health, education, nutrition, sociology, biology, psychology, education, nursing, child development, or a closely related field; AND Two (2) years of experience providing breastfeeding assessment, consultation, and information to new mothers.
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
- I DO NOT meet the Employment Standards for this role and will not be considered for this recruitment.
05If you selected 'A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed...' for question #4, please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience that qualifies you for this position. Please DO NOT type "See Resume" or "See Application." If you did not make this selection, please type "N/A."06The employment standards or minimum qualifications for this position are: Successful completion of a Lactation Educator course from an accredited college or university or other recognized professional program. Have you successfully completed a Lactation Educator course?- Yes, I have successfully completed a Lactation Educator course and have attached my Lactation Educator certificate to my application and listed my certificate information in the Certificates and Licenses section of my application.
- No, I have NOT completed a Lactation Educator course and do not meet the employment standards for this position.
07Please provide a complete list of the college-level core courses you have completed from an accredited college or university in the following areas: health, education, nutrition, sociology, biology, psychology, education, nursing, child development, or closely related field. If you do not have completed core courses, type "N/A."You must include the name of the course, the name of the accredited college or university where you completed the course, how many units earned and whether the units earned were semester or quarter units. In lieu of listing your coursework, you may upload a copy of your transcripts. Failure to provide complete course details or attach transcripts may cause your application to be disqualified.EXAMPLE: Concepts of Biology, BIOL 100, 4 semester units, Santa Barbara City College.08Incumbents are expected to qualify for and obtain the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant certification (IBCLC) within 24 months of appointment. Failure to obtain the IBCLC certification may result in termination of employment.- I understand.
09A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.- I understand.
10The following supplemental questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the employment list. I understand my responses to the following questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. Do not enter "see resume" or "see application" as raters will not have access to any information except what you enter in the box for each question. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules.- I understand.
11Do you possess a current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification?- Yes, I possess a current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification AND I have listed the license information on my application.
- No, but I am in the process of obtaining and will possess within two years.
- No, I do NOT possess an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.
12How many years of experience you have providing breastfeeding services?- More than 3 years of experience.
- 1 year up to 3 years of experience.
- Less than 1 year of experience.
- I do NOT have experience providing breastfeeding services.
13Although not required for the role, preference for Spanish/English bilingual abilities is highly desirable. Please indicate your level of bilingual fluency below.NOTE: The hiring department may test you on your fluency.- Spanish-Speak
- Spanish-Speak and Read
- Spanish-Speak, Read, and Write
- Not Bilingual in Spanish
14Please identify the duties you have performed in providing breastfeeding services. (Select all that apply)- Maintaining schedule of appointments.
- Documenting in an electronic medical record system.
- Billing health insurances for Breastfeeding services.
- Providing individual breastfeeding education.
- Conducting group breastfeeding education classes.
- Developing materials such as handouts, posters, etc.
- Presenting to inter-disciplinary groups (nurses, doctors, MAs) on breastfeeding topics.
- Providing referrals to health and community resources.
- Adjudicating patient claims and prepare utilization reports.
- No experience performing the duties listed above.
* Required Question
