Lactation Consultant

Carlington Community Health Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Carlington Community Health Centre is seeking a compassionate Lactation Consultant to provide breastfeeding support and education to families within the Baby-Friendly Initiative framework. The role is part-time (0.4) with potential for extra hours to move toward full-time, reporting to the Director of Healthy Growth and Development.

You will collaborate with interprofessional teams, coordinate services, and contribute to program development, outreach, and staff training in the Ottawa area.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Nursing from a recognized university or equivalent.
• IBCLC certification or equivalent.
• 3–5 years in community-based maternal–infant care or related settings.
• Experience with prenatal/postnatal care and family education.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person lactation support to families and education to postnatal groups.
• Coordinate services in line with Baby-Friendly Initiative guidelines.
• Deliver in-person and virtual education sessions for pre/postnatal families.
• Supervise volunteers and students in lactation support.
• Maintain client records and activity reports.

Skills

Maternal assessment

Infant care

EMR proficiency

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication

Cultural competence

Education

Nursing degree

IBCLC certification

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Carlington Community Health Centre is a non-profit organization committed to improving health and well-being through quality health and social services for families, youth, adults, and seniors. The organization provides organizational support and advocacy assistance to local groups and values equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Carlington Community Health Centre is seeking a compassionate and experienced Lactation Consultant (LC) to join our Healthy Growth and Development team. In this role, you will work collaboratively with the other LCs and the interdisciplinary teams at Carlington. You will provide individual and group pre and postnatal breastfeeding support and education to families in our community, working within the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) framework. The role is part-time (0.4) with possibility of extra hours up to full-time, reporting to the Director of Healthy Growth and Development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery and Job Requirements

• Coordinate, promote, and deliver breastfeeding support services in line with Breastfeeding Committee for Canada and WHO Baby-Friendly Initiative best practices
• Provide in-person clinical assessment, intervention, information, and referrals to nursing families
• Offer one-on-one infant-feeding support to all mothers, whether nursing or not
• Develop and deliver in person and virtual educational sessions for pre and postnatal families
• Support Carlington's Baby-Friendly Initiative commitment, including staff education on the Centre's breastfeeding policy
• Develop new programs responsive to community needs and create outreach materials to engage families in the catchment area
• Maintain lactation equipment, supplies, and inventory, including sterilization protocols
• Maintain accurate client records and provide activity statistics/reports as required
• Participate in chart reviews and orient/supervise volunteers and students in lactation support
• Provide Lactation Support at offsite locations as needed within the greater Ottawa area
• Owns a car and a valid full G driving license
• Communicate with Primary Health Care and Parent-Child colleagues to ensure coordinated, wrap-around care
• Attend staff training and organizational meetings
• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies and networks
• Collaborate with partner agencies on parent awareness and information programs

Qualifications

Education

• Undergraduate degree in Nursing from a recognized university (or equivalent combination of experience and relevant training)
• Certification from the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) or equivalent

Experience

• 3-5 years working with new families in a community setting (or combined community/hospital/public health settings); primary care experiences, an asset
• 3-5 years in prenatal/postnatal care of mother-infant dyads, including situational assessments
• Experience in program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Experience in a non-profit, community-based organization

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of current maternal/infant physical assessment and treatment methods
• Familiarity with the Baby-Friendly Initiative framework
• Understanding of cultural, physical, emotional, and psychological factors affecting delivery, nursing, and parenting
• Strong knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, with minimal supervision, in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with computers and software, including electronic medical records (EMR)

Languages

• French and/or other languages relevant to our client population are an asset

Carlington CHC welcomes applications from BIPOCcommunities, LGBTQ+ communities, and persons with disabilities. Carlington CHC is committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it servesand encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Carlington CHC is also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and invitesapplicants to advise us of any accessibility or accommodation needs