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County of San Luis Obispo, CA

Lactation Consultant (County Classification: Health Education Specialist I/II) -

County of San Luis Obispo, CA, San Luis Obispo, California, us, 93408


Salary:

$30.00 - $44.90 Hourly

Location :

North County (e.g. Atascadero/Paso Robles), CA

Job Type:

Temporary Employee

Job Number:

1024TP-300276-01

Department:

Health Agency

Division:

Health Agency - Public Health

Opening Date:

10/29/2024

About the Position

The County of San Luis Obispo is committed to providing exceptional maternal and infant care, with a focus on promoting breastfeeding for optimal health outcomes. The Public Health Department is seeking a dedicated Lactation Consultant who is passionate about assisting low-income families. This part-time, temporary position in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is located in Paso Robles and Atascadero. Currently funded through June 2026, there's potential for extension.

Applicants must hold current certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

This position will remain open until filled.

The lactation consultant will provide lactation support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the WIC program. Services will include infant weight checks, nursing and latch assessments, monitoring of milk supply, reassurance for mothers, education and distribution of electric breast pumps, and more. The lactation consultant can expect to work up to 20 hours per week.

Examples of Duties:Conduct lactation assessments for mothers and infants, including evaluation of latch, milk transfer, and breastfeeding dynamics. Lactation consulting services are primarily provided in-person, but may occasionally be conducted by phone, or telehealth.Collaborate with breastfeeding peer counselors, healthcare providers, including physicians, lactation consultants, nurses, and midwives to develop and implement breastfeeding care plans tailored to the needs of each mother-infant dyad.Issue electric breast pumps to WIC mothers and provide information on use of the departmental equipment.Refer participants to appropriate community resources to meet other needs.Document lactation assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and comprehensively in the WIC Wise system.Stay abreast of current research, guidelines, and best practices in lactation and breastfeeding support, and incorporate knowledge into WIC practices.

El Condado de San Luis Obispo está comprometido a brindar atención materna e infantil excepcional, centrándose en promover la lactancia materna para obtener resultados de salud óptimos. El Departamento de Salud Pública está buscando una Consultora de Lactancia dedicada y apasionada por ayudar a familias de bajos ingresos. Este puesto temporal a tiempo parcial en el Programa de Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC) está ubicado en Paso Robles y Atascadero. Actualmente financiado hasta junio de 2026, existe potencial de extensión.

Los solicitantes deben tener una certificación vigente como Consultora de Lactancia Certificada por la Junta Internacional (IBCLC por sus siglas en Ingles).

La asesora en lactancia brindará apoyo en materia de lactancia a las madres embarazadas y lactantes en el programa WIC. Los servicios incluirán controles de peso de los bebés, evaluaciones de lactancia y agarre, monitoreo del suministro de leche, tranquilidad para las madres, educación y distribución de extractores de leche eléctricos, y más. La consultora de lactancia puede esperar trabajar 20 horas por semana.

Ejemplos de deberes:Realizar evaluaciones de lactancia para madres y bebés, incluyendo la evaluación del agarre, la transferencia de leche y la dinámica de la lactancia. Los servicios de consultoría sobre lactancia se brindan principalmente en persona, pero ocasionalmente pueden realizarse por teléfono o telesalud.Colaborar con consejeras de lactancia materna, proveedores de atención médica, incluyendo médicos, consultores de lactancia, enfermeras y parteras para desarrollar e implementar planes de atención de lactancia materna adaptados a las necesidades de cada madre y bebé.Proporcionar extractores de leche eléctricos a las madres de WIC y brindar información sobre el uso del equipo departamental.Referir a los participantes a recursos comunitarios apropiados para satisfacer otras necesidades.Documentar las evaluaciones, intervenciones y resultados de lactancia de manera precisa y completa en el sistema WIC Wise.Manténgase al tanto de las investigaciones, reglas y mejores prácticas actuales en lactancia y apoyo a la lactancia materna, e incorpore conocimientos a las prácticas de WIC.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge & Skills:

Two years experience providing lactation support services.Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify and address breastfeeding challenges effectively.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse populations.Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development in lactation and breastfeeding support.Proficiency in using electronic medical records and other tools for documentation and communication.Demonstrated cultural competence and cultural humility.Familiarity with other local community-based organizations providing health and social support for low-income families.Bilingual Spanish-speaking is strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Health Education Specialist I:A bachelor's degree in health education, community health, communications, kinesiology, nutrition or another related field.

In addition, for Health Education Specialist II:2 years of experience performing duties equivalent to Health Education Specialist I,OR, a master's degree in a health-related field and 1 year of experience performing duties equivalent to Health Education Specialist I.

Licenses and CertificatesMust have current status as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).A valid California Driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

El Candidato IdealConocimiento y Habiliada

Dos años de experiencia brindando servicios de apoyo a la lactancia.Fuertes habilidades de evaluación clínica y pensamiento crítico, con la capacidad de identificar y abordar los desafíos de la lactancia materna de manera efectiva.Excelentes habilidades interpersonales y de comunicación, con la capacidad de establecer relaciones y generar confianza con poblaciones diversas.Compromiso con la práctica basada en evidencia y el desarrollo profesional continuo en lactancia y apoyo a la lactancia materna.Competencia en el uso de registros médicos electrónicos y otras herramientas de documentación y comunicación.Competencia cultural demostrada y humildad cultural.Familiaridad con otras organizaciones comunitarias locales que brindan apoyo social y de salud a familias de bajos ingresos.Se prefiere encarecidamente hablar español bilingüe.

Calificaciones mínimas:Una combinación de educación, capacitación y experiencia que resulta en los conocimientos, y habilidades requeridas. Un ejemplo de educación y experiencia calificadas incluye:

Especialista en Educación para la Salud I:Una Licenciatura Bachillerato en educación para la salud, salud comunitaria, comunicaciones, kinesiología, nutrición u otro campo relacionado.

Además, para Especialista en Educación para la Salud II:2 años de experiencia desempeñando funciones equivalentes a Especialista en Educación para la Salud I,O, título de maestría en un campo relacionado con la salud y 1 año de experiencia desempeñando funciones equivalentes a Especialista en Educación para la Salud I.

Licencias y CertificadosDebe tener estatus actual como Consultora de Lactancia Certificada por la Junta Internacional (IBCLC).Se requiere una licencia de conducir de California válida al momento de la cita y se debe mantener durante todo el empleo.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at

Reasonable Accommodation NoticeFederal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail

hr@co.slo.ca.us

for more information.

Veteran's Preference PointsIf you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment OpportunityThe County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a DifferenceEmployees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and BenefitsYour annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .

Some benefits include:

- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)- Free visits to the employee health clinic- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust- Optional deferred compensation plan- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)- Paid personal, sick and vacation days- 12 paid holidays- Employee Assistance Program- Education and Wellness Allowance- Post Employment Health Plan- Family Friendly workplace policies- Flexible work schedule options-Rideshare commuter benefits- Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),

Learning and DevelopmentThe County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence- Supervisor/Manager academies- Microsoft Suite courses- Defensive Driving- Financial management- Retirement preparedness- Teambuilding- Written Communication- Conflict Management- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan ForgivenessDid you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programCounty employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance programEmployees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.

01

Please share your level of proficiency with spoken, written, and translation to/from Spanish. (Bilingual Spanish-speaking is strongly preferred, but not required.)

02

Describe your experience working with clients and/or coworkers with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints

03

Do you have any experience with the WIC Program? If yes, please describe.

Required Question