Maternity Infant Feeding Team Support Worker Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a passionate individual to join the Infant Feeding team at Walsall Manor Hospital. The role involves providing high-quality care and support to women and families, focusing on infant feeding advice and information. The post holder will collaborate with midwives and maternity support workers, participate in audits, and deliver training. Opportunities to attend Baby Friendly Conferences are also available.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing infant feeding support and information.
• Ability to maintain professional standards and work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide infant feeding support and information to enable informed feeding choices.
• Deliver high standards of care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Participate in audits and deliver infant feeding training.

Skills

Compassionate Counselling

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Job Opportunity: Infant Feeding Team Support Worker at Walsall Manor Hospital

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and committed individual to join the Infant Feeding team at Walsall Manor Hospital.

The post holder will work as part of the Walsall Manor Hospital (Maternity Directorate) Infant Feeding Team, contributing to all aspects of the service, with a focus on Ward 25 and community settings. The role involves collaborating closely with midwives and maternity support workers to achieve full Baby Friendly Initiative Accreditation for Walsall Maternity and Neonatal Units.

The Infant Feeding Maternity Team Support Worker (IFMTSW) will provide high-quality care and support to women and their families, offering infant feeding advice and information. The role includes clinical work on the postnatal ward and in the community, participation in audits, and delivering training to staff. There are also opportunities to attend Baby Friendly Conferences.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated provider serving a population of 284,300, offering a range of inpatient, outpatient, and community services. The Trust has recently expanded its facilities, including a new Urgent Emergency Care Centre opened in March 2023.

Clinical Duties

1. Provide infant feeding support and information to enable informed feeding choices.
2. Deliver high standards of care in accordance with Trust policies.
3. Observe women and babies, reporting any concerns to the responsible midwife/nurse.
4. Assist with discharge planning and provide relevant advice.
5. Take emergency action to safeguard women and babies, notifying the appropriate staff.
6. Bleep medical staff and answer general enquiries.
7. Refer deviations from normal to appropriate health professionals.
8. Support lactation and breastfeeding following guidance.
9. Participate in audits and deliver infant feeding training.
10. Support women who formula feed, providing necessary information and assistance.
11. Assist families transitioning from tube feeds to breastfeeding.
12. Use compassionate counselling skills to support families.
13. Safeguard families' property and manage waste according to hospital policies.
14. Maintain a clean, safe clinical environment and communicate courteously.
15. Monitor and restock supplies, maintain equipment, and ensure stock levels.
16. Perform other duties as required, including during colleagues' absences.
17. Communicate with multidisciplinary agencies and assist in clerical duties.
18. Maintain accurate records and understand data transport protocols.
19. Support review and development of maternity services and participate in incident reporting.
20. Be competent in neonatal blood glucose monitoring and alternative feeding methods following training.

Personal Responsibilities

1. Maintain professional standards, including uniform and punctuality.
2. Work effectively within the team to promote a positive working environment.
3. Demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to the Trust.
4. Stay updated with Trust policies and comply with health and safety, fire safety, and working time regulations.
5. Attend mandatory training sessions and undertake additional training as needed.

Location

Based in the Maternity Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital and within the community, including health centres, children's centres, and women's homes.

This advert closes on Friday 9 May 2025.