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Lactation Specialist

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:
Under the supervision of the Breastfeeding Promotion Coordinator, the Lactation Specialist provides clinical lactation support and counseling for WIC clients who are having breastfeeding problems beyond the scope of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or Nutritionist’s skill levels. The Lactation Specialist assists in training of WIC employees and other health care professionals as well as outreach to the community on the benefits and management of breastfeeding to support WIC program goals. The Lactation Specialist may work outside of the WIC Clinic environment, including making home or hospital visits to WIC clients and may be assigned to work after regular clinic hours, including answering a Breastfeeding Help Line during non-traditional work hours.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Follows the local agency High Risk Referral Policy and procedures for follow up with High-Risk Lactation Referrals.
  • Evaluates and consults with WIC clients experiencing problems with breastfeeding by telephone, virtual appointment, at the client’s home, in the WIC clinic or by hospital visit.
  • Coordinates the breastfeeding client’s care and follow up with the physician, family, and WIC staff to assure efficient service to clients. Makes referrals for medical follow up or other services as needed.
  • Assists with breastfeeding training and technical breastfeeding support to Breastfeeding Peer Counselors or WIC Professional Staff as needed.
  • Complies with state and local WIC policies regarding the issuance of breast pumps and specialized equipment specific for breastfeeding problems as appropriate.
  • Attends Breastfeeding Peer Counselor staff meetings as scheduled throughout the year.
  • Serves as the Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) for HCPH WIC sites.
  • Provides coverage and participates in breastfeeding support groups, prenatal and postnatal classes on various breastfeeding topics.
  • May be assigned to handle help line calls by cell phone during non-traditional work hours and/or weekends.
  • Conducts outreach activities to inform community groups/agencies about WIC breastfeeding services.
  • Participates on committees with internal and external partner agencies as requested


Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
Experience:
  • One (1) year of Lactation Consultant experience in public health, hospital or private practice 
OR

  • One (1) year of experience in Breastfeeding promotion, support, and counseling experience in public health, hospital or private practice
Licenses/Certifications:
  • International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Required
Core Competencies:
  • Organizational Leadership
    • Understands the organizational mission
    • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
    • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
  • Collaboration
    • Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
    • Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
    • Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
  • Innovation
    • Ability to adapt to change
  • Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
    • Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
    • Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
    • Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
    • Uses sound judgment
    • Self-motivated
    • Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
  • Communication
    • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Qualifications

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Full-Time | Grant Funded
  • Monday – Friday | 8 am – 5 pm
  • Other days and hours as necessary. 
Work Environment:
  • This job operates in a professional office environment that is highly oriented on teamwork, customer service and meeting required metrics.
  • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
  • Position requires a high level of movement throughout the facility.
  • Employee must be able to lift supplies of 5lbs or greater.
  • This job requires bending and standing for long periods of times.
Work Location:
  • 5815 Antoine Dr, Suite A, Houston, TX 77091

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Date Posted
05/12/2025
Job Reference
12307
Organization
Public Health Services, Community Health & Wellness
Location
Harris County, TX
Category
Allied Health
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