"Regional Lactation Coordinator"

Job Overview

ECUs Department of Eastern Area Health Education Center (EAHEC, Brody School of Medicine) seeks a full-time (12-month, Stated Definite Term) Regional Lactation Coordinator. The purpose of this position is to provide initial core training for WIC Peer Counselors and Designated Breastfeeding Experts. In addition, the Regional Lactation Trainer (RLT) will provide accurate, standardized, evidence-based lactation management, training, and continuing education for breastfeeding peer counselors, program managers, public health agency staff, and other medical professionals serving the WIC-eligible population in the respective region. This position will serve as an RLT and aid in strengthening and enhancing breastfeeding promotion and support efforts. The RLTs will collaborate with the local WIC agencies, WIC Regional Nutrition Consultants, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as coordinate the provision of accurate, effective, standardized, evidence-informed training and continuing education based on needs identified in the respective region.

The goal of this position is to meet the Healthy People 2030 goals for breastfeeding to increase the proportion of infants who are breastfed to 42.4% exclusively through 6 months and 54.1% at 12 months. Region 1 serves 30 counties across Western NC.

Job Duties

• 60% Training: In each region, the RLT is required to conduct the following training sessions each contract year: Provide three (3) orientation training sessions for peer counselors using the state-approved, standardized curriculum; Provide the Community Nutrition Services Section with assistance for orientation training sessions for WIC Competent Professional Authorities (CPA) using the state-approved, standardized breastfeeding curriculum; Provide two (2) orientation trainings to WIC-Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBE) using state-approved standardized curriculum; Provide four (4) continuing education trainings for peer counselors, Breastfeeding Peer Counseling program managers, and Community Nutrition Services Section staff on clinical lactation management; Provide two (2) continuing education training sessions for WIC-designated breastfeeding experts and Community Nutrition Services Section staff on clinical lactation management; Provide ten (10) in-service or continuing education sessions for public health or other medical professionals serving the WIC-eligible population on clinical lactation management; Provide the demonstration portion via a live virtual platform for the Breastfeeding Supplies Competency Training sessions.
• 40% Collaboration: In each region, the RLT is required to conduct the following activities each contract year: Maintain ongoing communication with local and Community Nutrition Services Section staff to ensure continuous quality improvement in clinical lactation management; Provide individual orientation for new WIC Directors on the WIC LATCH; Facilitate four (4) virtual or in-person community engagement sessions per contract year with local WIC agencies; Answer clinical lactation management questions from public health agencies and medical providers as needed; Serve as a member of the State WIC Programs hosted committee meetings; participate in meetings as scheduled; Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education/Experience

Masters degree or Post baccalaureate credential in public health or nutrition, OR a baccalaureate degree in a related field and 2 years experience with current IBCLC certification; Five (5) or more years of experience providing direct clinical lactation management services to lactating individuals and their infants; and an ongoing mechanism to maintain sufficient skills in the provision of clinical lactation services; Understanding of the North Carolina WIC Program and the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, and experience working with the population served by these programs; Experience with development, implementation, and delivery of effective, accurate, standardized, evidence-based clinical lactation management training and continuing education; Demonstrated ability to coordinate and collaborate with other health professionals and community agencies to promote and support breastfeeding services.

License or Certification Required

International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification

Preferred Experience

An IBCLC with one or more health credential such as Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Speech Language Pathologist, and/or Medical Doctor.