Join our team at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, and experience world-class healthcare at its best. Cleveland Clinic Indian River has been recognized as one of the top regional hospitals in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. Indian River Hospital is located in sunny Florida’s Treasure Coast where it is committed to providing optimal family-centric and community-focused care. At Indian River Hospital, you will be part of a collaborative, compassionate, and innovative team of caregivers. You will work with state-of-the-art technology and will build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

As a Healthy Start Lactation Counselor, you will be responsible for providing basic lactation instruction, support and anticipatory guidance to new mothers promoting optimal breastfeeding. You will also educate and assist to help mothers prevent and handle common lactation concerns. You will provided at bedside support, individualized education sessions, and subsequent telephone calls. Clients will be encouraged to participate in the TLC newborn program which will provide further postpartum guidance and support.

The ideal future caregiver is someone who:

• Has mother/baby or nursery experience (required).
• Provides care with compassion, empathy, and patience.
• Has excellent verbal and written communication.
• Has teamwork and motivational skills.
• Has organizational and multitasking skills.

This is an excellent opportunity to discover Cleveland Clinic and gain hands-on experience in this rewarding department.

Cleveland Clinic provides what matters most: career growth, delivering world-class care to our patients, continuous learning, exceptional benefits and working for an organization that offers many long-term career paths. Join us and experience a culture where opportunities to advance and the support to get there go hand-in-hand.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for working in a safe and protective manner at all times, keeping in mind that safety and environmental hazards are the responsibility of all employees for themselves, other staff members and patients.
• Knowledge of purpose and services available through Healthy Start Coalition programs.
• Create and maintain a positive image of the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and the Healthy Start programs.
• Will respect each participant by keeping information strictly confidential.
• Will keep accurate records of all contact made with clients.
• Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation in a timely manner according to guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain various reports and documents using computer applications when applicable with attention to detail.
• Participate in required continuing education and program trainings provided by CCIRH and the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition (including staff meetings).
• Will refer mothers, according to established protocols, to the IBCLC, the patient’s physician, nurse and community resources as necessary.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Languages:

• English
• Spanish (orally and written) preferred for some communities.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s license may be needed for some assignments.
• Certified Lactation Counselor through an accredited program.

Complexity of Work:

• Knowledgeable about community resources appropriate to the needs of clients/families.
• Effective time management practices (able to organize time, prioritize projects efficiently and effectively); de-escalation skills; problem-solving skills and managing change and conflict; and knowledge of computer software.
• Able to develop trust and effective working relationships with staff members, individuals, families and external & internal professionals; strong information gathering/interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health system in Indian River County
• Knowledge of child development and maternal health
• Knowledge of eligibility criteria for home visiting programs in Indian River County
• Experience with Healthy Families or Healthy Start Intake and assessments
• Knowledge of community resources and eligibility requirements
• Ability to connect with and interact effectively with culturally diverse families
• Ability to work with families in a non-judgmental and respectful manner
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple community partners and medical providers
• Ability to use good judgment and make independent decisions with clear and professional boundaries
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Knowledge of programs, policies and legislation on state, national and international levels that promote, protect and support breastfeeding
• Understanding of diverse cultural, physical, emotional, and psychological response to birthing, lactation, and parenting

Work Experience:

• Experience working with breastfeeding mothers/infants.
• One (1) to two (2) years of related experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., nonjudgmental, objective, reflective, empathetic, patient, tactful).
• Ability to establish rapport with families and empower them by building on their strengths.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Reliable transportation required. Personal vehicle use required.

Physical Requirements:

• May need to move around intermittently during the day, including sitting, standing, stooping, bending and ambulating. May need to remain still for extended periods, including sitting and standing.
• Work evenings and weekends may be required.
• May need to lift boxes or carry objects.
• Possess dexterity to operate a PC and other office equipment.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.