Infant Feeding Coordinator

NHS; Dartford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dartford is seeking a Registered Midwife to provide clinical leadership and project management in maternal and infant nutrition. The role involves leading the UNICEF BFI accreditation initiative and supporting staff development in infant feeding. Candidates should have at least 5 years of post-registration experience and be able to demonstrate relevant management and leadership skills. The position offers opportunities for personal and professional development within a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Inclusive work culture

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• At least 5 years post registration experience required.
• Currently practising as a midwife.
• Evidence of management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership in maternal and infant nutrition.
• Lead UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative for accreditation.
• Conduct infant feeding training for staff and students.
• Ensure compliance with maternity improvement plans.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical Guidance

Communication

Project Management

Autonomous Practice

Education

Registered Midwife

Qualified Professional Midwife Advocate

Teaching Qualification (Desirable)

Management Course (Desirable)

Job description

Job summary

Working as an expert autonomous practitioner the post holder will provide project management and clinical leadership in the areas of infant feeding and bonding, and lead the service to UNICEF BFI Level 3 accreditation.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist knowledge and clinical guidance related to maternal and infant nutrition to ensure positive outcomes and safety.

• Lead strategically and operationally on the UNICEF BFI initiative, aligning plans for BFI compliance with wider maternity improvement plans.
• Support staff and embed the development of Baby Friendly UNICEF standards across Maternity and Neonatal Unit.
• Line management responsibility including 1:1, annual appraisals, sickness absence etc.
• Provide infant feeding training throughout the service for all staff and students that come into contact with new parents to empower meaningful conversations and care plans.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work.

Job responsibilities

Clinical responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge and clinical guidance related to maternal and infant nutrition to ensure positive outcomes and safety.
• Lead strategically and operationally on the UNICEF BFI initiative aligning plans for BFI compliance with wider maternity improvement plans.
• Support staff and embed the development of Baby Friendly UNICEF standards across Maternity and Neonatal Unit.
• Signpost for specialist information and support for vulnerable families.
• Support the review and potential implementation of NICE guidance and other relevant policy directives.
• Represent the Trust at local, regional and national breastfeeding and infant feeding forums.
• Work with key stakeholders to formulate policies, guidelines and protocols in respect of UNICEF guidelines and implement evidence-based practice changes.
• Ensure that all relevant healthcare staff have the skills to support women to make informed decision about feeding their babies.
• Participate in the Governance agenda as required, i.e. investigations and risk assessments.
• Take responsibility for equipment and resources used for infant feeding by introducing appropriate processes within the clinical environment.
• Ensure timely and accurate record keeping.

Management responsibilities

• Line management responsibility including 1:1, annual appraisals, sickness absence etc.
• In the absence of the Maternity Matron provide mentorship, day to day management and supervision of the team.
• Ensure appropriate cover for service delivery within the team.
• Contribute to managing flow throughout the service and escalating as appropriate.
• Identify gaps in service provision as they occur and take the necessary steps to remedy this, including the development of individual or specialised programmes or packages of care to address children, families or client group needs.
• Manage the improvement programme required to meet BFI Level 3 within maternity collaborating with neonatal colleagues.
• Manage the project budget.
• Support midwives through the Revalidation process.
• Define health informatics requirements for midwifery as they relate to infant feeding and BFI assurance processes.
• Provide input to the development of business cases for areas of responsibility and provide leadership on specific projects where required.
• Identify ways of making efficiencies to support the delivery of the Cost Improvement Programme (CIP).
• Work with the senior midwifery team, review and update the risk register for relevant projects or areas.
• Undertake regular audits of clinical data and service delivery associated with infant feeding support services, e.g. breastfeeding, supplementation audits.
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of data associated with national, regional and local breastfeeding targets and provide reports and documents as required.

Education and development responsibilities

• Undertake annual review and statutory and mandatory training.
• Keep portfolio.
• Provide infant feeding training throughout the service for all staff and students that come into contact with new parents to empower meaningful conversations and care plans.
• Provide and maintain educational resources relevant to infant feeding for staff and service users.
• Establish and facilitate support programmes of learning for students.
• Ensure attendance at department training sessions as required for professional, personal and service development.

General responsibilities

• Patient Experience – all staff should put the patient at the heart of everything they do.
• Trust Policies and Procedures – adhere to the Trust’s agreed policies and procedures.
• Equal Opportunities – promote and develop equality of opportunity in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Confidentiality – protect the confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, patient and staff or other agencies.
• Quality – provide a quality service and participate in clinical governance within scope of responsibility.
• Infection Control – fulfil infection control, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment policies.
• Information Governance – be responsible for the security and governance of information, systems and networks.
• Health and Safety – abide by health and safety policies and regulations.
• Sustainability – minimise the Trust’s environmental impact by recycling, turning off equipment when not in use, and reporting faults promptly.
• Our Behaviours – act in accordance with Our Behaviours and six focus areas.
• Safeguarding – adhere to safeguarding responsibilities for children and adults.

Person Specification

Education – Essential

• Registered Midwife.
• Qualified Professional Midwife Advocate.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Evidence of management and leadership skills and autonomous practice.

Education – Desirable

• Teaching qualification.
• Management course.

Experience – Essential

• At least 5 years post registration experience.
• Currently practising as a midwife.
• Previous experience as a PMA.

Experience – Desirable

• Teaching or coaching experience.

Knowledge and skills – Essential

• In-depth understanding of national drivers and initiatives in maternity care.
• Ability to work on own initiative and collaborate with others.
• Proven ability to make judgements involving complex facts or situations.
• Evidence of knowledge and involvement in Quality Improvement projects.
• Excellent verbal, written communication and facilitation skills.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to exercise own initiative and work to deadlines.

Knowledge and skills – Desirable

• Counselling skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust – all sites

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us