Breastfeeding Coordinator at Beacon Health Systems in South Bend, Indiana

Job Description:

Reports to the Manager. Responsible for the entire scope of the WIC Breastfeeding Program including design and implementation of activities. Works with WIC and other health professionals and agencies within the community to encourage breastfeeding. Maintains communication with physicians and other health care providers. Conducts breastfeeding classes and support groups as scheduled for WIC and other community groups as requested. Coordinates the activities of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

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  MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.


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  VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.


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  SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

• Working within allotted breastfeeding budget as set forth by the ISDH.


• Coordinating activities of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor(s), including their weekly schedule.


• Planning activities for World Breastfeeding Week.


• Helping to conduct state breastfeeding sessions.


• Serving as a referral source for and accepts referrals from the lactation staff at the Hospital.


• Designing Breastfeeding Promotion Plan, including bulletin boards and other educational activities for the WIC Breastfeeding Program. Developing and evaluates appropriateness of all Breastfeeding educational materials. Designing breastfeeding aspect of the ISDH Nutrition Education Plan.


• Conducting WIC Peer Counselor training as needed and Loving Support training as needed.


• Evaluating and recommending purchase of appropriate breastfeeding devices, including breast pumps and breast shells.


• Setting goals for the breastfeeding program, including target percentages and contact rates.


• Administering the Breastfeeding Friendly Clinic Checklist by monitoring each clinic site and reporting results to manager.


• Working toward achievement of breastfeeding rate goals.


• Helping to solicit donations as needed.


• Consistently promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the norm for mothers and infants and encouraging the duration of breastfeeding.

• Offering support and encouragement to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and maintaining confidentiality.


• Providing accurate information about breastfeeding, establishing amicable relationships with mothers and allaying their doubts and fears about breastfeeding.


• Scheduling and teaching breastfeeding classes and conducting support groups.


• Making prenatal and postpartum contacts in the clinics. Contacting unseen prenatal and postpartum clients by telephone or mail.


• Conducting home and hospital visits as needed/requested.


• Conducting breastfeeding classes, both in house and out in the community.


• Serving as a breastfeeding resource to other WIC staff and to the healthcare community.


• Conducting in-services for other healthcare professionals.


• Maintaining available by cell phone for emergency after hour's breastfeeding concerns or problems.

• Keeping accurate records of all breastfeeding contacts and activities.


• Entering contact information in WIC computer system on a timely basis.


• Preparing monthly report form per established guidelines, listing names of client s contacted, after hours contacts, number of clients attending breastfeeding classes, mileage and/or additional expenses.

• Keeping accurate inventory of breast pumps received and issued.


• Cleaning and maintaining returned pumps.


• Ensuring replacement of appropriate used breast pump parts with new parts.


• Keeping in contact with all clients who have an electric breast pump to help ensure timely return.

• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.


• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.


• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.


• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.


• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.


• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.


• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.


• Complies with established organization and department policies.


• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.


• Cultivate human talent.


• Embrace performance improvement.


• Build greatness through accountability.


• Use information to improve and advance.


• Communicate clearly and continuously.

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a nursing degree from an accredited program and a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Indiana., Bachelor degree and license as a Registered Dietitian or a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences with a minimum of nine hours in nutrition. Two to three years breastfeeding counseling experience required. Attainment of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) certification preferred. CPR certification and previous breastfeeding experience desirable.

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of breastfeeding information.


• Demonstrates sensitivity and diplomacy in working with socially disadvantaged clients.


• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible in response to change and to analyze problems and make appropriate decisions.


• Requires basic knowledge of computer systems and applications.


• Demonstrates the communication skills, both verbal and written, in order to interact with diverse populations and program staff.


• Requires basic mathematical and analytical skills to perform various computations and prepare monthly reports.

• Works in an office/clinic environment.


• Travel via vehicle is required to make hospital visits and to visit patients in their place of residences.

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.