Lactation Consultant

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position provides lactation and breastfeeding support services to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and other related departments at the hospital.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Educate patient families and staff about lactation and breastfeeding utilizing evidence based information.
• Assess maternal and infant factors related to lactation and feeding.
• Create individualized lactation and feeding plans during hospitalization and in preparation for discharge.
• Support lactation and breastfeeding goals.
• Intervene to help problem solve when lactation or breastfeeding issues and/or barriers arise.
• Facilitate the development of policies and guidelines that protect, promote, and support lactation and breastfeeding.
• Advocate for exclusive breastmilk feedings and breastfeeding.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with patient families and multidisciplinary care team.
• Make referrals, as needed, to other health care providers and community support services.
• Record care provided.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement projects.
• Participate in medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, team meetings and other related activities.
• Assist with general departmental maintenance related to lactation and breastfeeding.
• May assume team lead responsibilities of milk lab.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above with minimal supervision.
• Effective critical thinking and communication skills.
• Specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in lactation, breastfeeding, and maternal newborn care.
• Ability to evaluate learning needs of family and provide education appropriate to age, culture, condition, and circumstances.
• Identify needs and areas for growth and development of position and program.
• Ability to maintain a current knowledge of safety issues needed in the treatment of patients.
• Ability to work within the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant's (IBCLC) scope of practice and according to the IBCLC's code of conduct.

Qualifications

Qualifications Required

• Minimum one year experience maternal-newborn or newborn care.

One of the following

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah or equivalent degree with lactation experience and expectation that IBCLC certification is earned within two years of hire.

Licenses Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Fluent in Spanish language.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects, such as medical equipment, while providing patient care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases.

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Lifting, Listening, Pulling and/or Pushing, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking

EEO Statement

University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

University of Utah Heath Hospitals and Clinics, a part of The University of Utah, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources office at 801-581-6500.If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action:

Sherrie Hayashi

Director/ Title IX Coordinator

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)

135 Park Building

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

801-581-8365

oeo@utah.edu

Online reports may be submitted atoeo.utah.edu/

For more information: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

To inquire about this posting, email: careers@hsc.utah.edu

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or Hospitals and Clinics Human Resources at (801) 581-6500 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

Requisition Number 53638

Reg/Temp Regular

Employment Type Full-Time

Shift Variable

Work Schedule variable

Location Name University of Utah Hospital

Patient Care? Yes

City SALT LAKE CITY

State UT

Department UUH CST 23A PERINATAL PAT EDU

Category Women and Children's Health