Lactation Educator/Breastfeeding Supervisor

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center; Union City (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center in Union City is seeking a Lactation Educator/Breastfeeding Supervisor to manage the Breastfeeding Counselor Program. This full-time role involves supervising peer educators, conducting training, and ensuring compliance with program standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a supervisory role, be bilingual in English/Spanish, and hold certification as an IBCLC. Strong organizational skills and a commitment to promoting breastfeeding are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervisory role for at least one year.
• Prior experience working with mothers with lactation challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop and supervise the WIC Breastfeeding Program.
• Conduct ongoing training and track staff progress.
• Manage outreach and follow-up for program clients.

Skills

Bilingual in English/Spanish

Problem-solving capabilities

Knowledge of HIPAA regulations

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Certification as IBCLC

Job description

Description

Under the general direction of the WIC Director, the Lactation Educator/Breastfeeding Supervisor is a certified lactation counselor (IBCLC) responsible for the development, coordination, and oversight of the Breastfeeding Counselor Program (BPCP) and other breastfeeding services in the program. The position works collaboratively between multiple programs and departments, both at WIC and across TVHC to promote the importance of breastfeeding newborn children. As the program supervisor, the individual will supervise the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Educator(s) to ensure eligible participants receive counseling and support services in accordance with all program benchmarks and quality standards. The Lactation Educator/Breastfeeding Supervisor also supervises the use of the web-based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Database, while serving as the central source for training and coaching on this and all breastfeeding practices for all WIC staff, conducting individual and group trainings as appropriate.

Schedule

This is a full‑time position, working 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday hours.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, coordinates, and supervises the day to day operations of the TVHC WIC Breastfeeding Program and the Peer Counselor Program (BPCP). This includes the selection and supervision of all Breastfeeding Peer Educator(s).
• Develops, implements, and supervises the Peer Counseling Program and peer counselors.
• Ensures peer counselors conduct timely outreach and follow-up of program clients, documenting all contacts in accordance to protocol using the web-based “Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Database.”
• Provides on‑going staff and group trainings using the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training Manual or the USDA’s approved training curriculum. Provides periodic updates to required trainings and tracks the progress for each staff member as they complete various program related trainings to ensure full program compliance.
• Performs statistical tracking and reporting of breastfeeding progress within the TVHC WIC Program. Ensures the proper use of the web-based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Database by staff.
• Maintains and creatively distributes breastfeeding supplies, incentives, and educational materials to participants and community agencies.
• Provides new hire training to ensure all peer counselors demonstrate competency in counseling, documentation and referrals. Enforces program standards including the adherence to WIC confidentiality and Employee Security Affidavit (ESA).
• Coordinates with community agencies to promote breastfeeding. Establishes network of referral agencies to meet the needs of program participants for additional services. Participates in assigned outreach activities establishing community partnerships for the continuum of breastfeeding care and support.
• Coordinates and supervises the early contact of postpartum participants regarding breastfeeding in order to problem‑solve and encourage the continuation thereby increasing the duration of breastfeeding.
• Conducts weekly continuous quality improvement (CQI) to ensure services are being provided according to program standards.
• Counsels designated high‑risk level 1 & 2 and level 3 breastfeeding participants.
• Implements CDPH WIC‑approved class curriculums and conducts WIC participant education classes.
• Participates in all aspects of Screening, Enrollment, Assessment, Recertification, Education, and Food Instrument Security and Distribution.
• Participates in program continuing education, in‑services, scheduled meetings, or any related educational program.
• Rotates among TVHC WIC sites as necessary.
• Adheres to WIC Federal Regulations, WIC State Policy, TVHC Personnel Policy & Procedure, and TVHC WIC Policy & Procedure.
• Performs all duties and services in full compliance with TVHC’s Service Excellence Standards.
• Completes assigned tasks related to program day‑to‑day operations and performs other duties as assigned by WIC Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish required.
• Current certification as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in a supervisory/lead role required.
• Prior experience working with mothers with lactation challenges required.
• Prior experience with the “Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Database” preferred.
• Knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity to multicultural groups, encompassing their socio‑economic backgrounds.
• Problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to work independently.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of HIPAA confidentiality and privacy regulations and demonstrated ability to implement these in a work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated by the ability to communicate effectively and relate congenially with parents, children, clinic staff and providers, and community referral representatives.
• Strong organizational/time‑management skills; ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced and often stressful environment; demonstrated flexibility in regards to job duties and assignments; ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team to organize tasks, problem‑solve, make decisions, while handling multiple priorities.
• Thorough knowledge of and willingness to adhere to mandated reporting requirements as stated by law; working knowledge of generally accepted QA standards and procedures.
• Position requires moderate physical activity such as sitting, traveling, walking, driving, bending, lifting, and computer usage.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills and experience with various software programs as required by the position.