Independent Contractor – Lactation Consultant

Position Title: Independent Contractor – Lactation Consultant

Location: Must be physically located in the service area (Lee, Collier, Hendry or Glades County), and attend in-person and online trainings/meetings as required. Community-based, clinical settings, and/or telehealth.
Reports to: Program Manager
Schedule: Flexible; based on client referrals and availability

This is a grant-funded 1099 independent contractor position, and is contingent upon funding award and continued grant availability. It is not an employee role. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses. No benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement, etc.) are provided. Work is project-based or hourly as agreed upon in the contract.

Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to maternal and child health, reducing infant deaths and premature births, and promoting healthy outcomes for babies and young children. We have served families in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties since 1992. The Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida system of care includes Connect, Healthy Start, CAPTA, Nurse Family Partnership, Help Me Grow, FIMR, TEAM Dad, and the Southwest Florida Regional Diaper Bank programs. Join a dynamic team where every day you can make a positive impact on the health of new mothers, babies, and their families. Our team provides support and services to help give every baby a healthy start in life.

Position Summary

The Lactation Consultant provides evidence‑based lactation assessment, education, and support to pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families. Services are delivered in alignment with nationally recognized lactation standards, Florida requirements, and program policies to promote breastfeeding initiation, continuation, and maternal‑infant bonding.

The Lactation Consultant works collaboratively with perinatal and nurse navigators, doulas, healthcare providers, and community partners to address lactation challenges, support informed feeding decisions, and reduce disparities in breastfeeding outcomes among underserved populations.

Scope of Services

Lactation Assessment & Support

• Conduct comprehensive lactation assessments for prenatal and postpartum clients.
• Provide individualized counseling and education related to:
• Breastfeeding initiation and positioning
• Milk supply and feeding concerns
• Pumping, milk storage, and return‑to‑work planning
• Infant feeding cues and infant weight concerns
• Identify and address common lactation challenges, referring to medical providers when concerns fall outside the lactation scope of practice.
• Provide culturally responsive, non‑judgmental, client‑centered lactation support.

Prenatal & Postpartum Services

• Provide prenatal breastfeeding education to support informed feeding decisions.
• Deliver postpartum lactation support visits, including home visits, clinic‑based consultations, or telehealth sessions.
• Support lactation during the immediate postpartum period and throughout the first year after birth, consistent with telehealth program guidelines.

Telehealth & Community‑Based Care

• Deliver lactation support via telehealth when appropriate and permitted.
• Travel within the service area to provide home‑based or community‑based services as needed.
• Collaborate with hospital‑based and community‑based providers to ensure continuity of care.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Work closely with perinatal navigators, doulas, and maternal mental health providers to support holistic maternal‑infant care.
• Refer clients to additional medical, mental health, or community resources as appropriate.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case coordination as requested.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate documentation of all lactation services provided in the required case management or data systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and program privacy standards.
• Support reporting, quality improvement, and compliance requirements as outlined in the contract.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and quality assurance activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• One of the following credentials:
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), or
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC equivalent), as approved by the program.
• Experience providing lactation support to pregnant and/or postpartum individuals.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based lactation and infant feeding practices.
• Ability to work with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with low‑income or high‑risk families.
• Experience providing services through home visiting or community‑based programs.
• Experience delivering lactation support via telehealth.
• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or other languages reflective of the community).
• Familiarity with Healthy Start, maternal‑child health, or public health programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong assessment, communication, and teaching skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical practice.
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible caseload.
• Sensitivity to the emotional, cultural, and social needs of new families.
• Commitment to equity, access, and client‑centered care.

Additional Requirements

• Professional liability insurance meeting program requirements.
• Level II background screening.
• Compliance with applicable health and safety standards for working in medical or community settings.
• Maintenance of active certification and continuing education requirements.

Independent Contractor Disclaimer

This position is classified as an independent contractor. Lactation Consultants are not employees of the organization and are not eligible for employee benefits. Contractors are responsible for maintaining their own licensure/certification, insurance, taxes, and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, as outlined in the contract agreement.

Work Location: In person