Lactation Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

PHCC has a vision to be the leader in transforming the health and wellbeing of people’s lives in Qatar. PHCC’s mission

is to deliver comprehensive, integrated and coordinated person-centered health care services in the community

through focusing on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles and wellness. In partnership with our stakeholders, we

will improve the health and wellbeing of our population.

The incumbent will support by providing comprehensive skilled care and evidence-based information for

breastfeeding and human lactation from preconception to weaning, for breastfeeding families, based on specialized

knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation.

Key Accountabilities & Duties:

• Acknowledging parental and child health and mental status in the context of breastfeeding, performing comprehensive maternal, child and feeding assessments related to breastfeeding and human lactation, developing and implementing an individualized feeding plan in consultation with the client and providing evidence-based information regarding use of medications (over-the-counter and prescription), alcohol, tobacco, and herbs or supplements during breastfeeding and human lactation, and their potential impact on milk production and child safety.
• Providing evidence-based information regarding complementary and alternative therapies during lactation and their impact on milk production and effect on the child, integrating cultural, psychosocial, and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding and human lactation and providing support and encouragement to successfully meet breastfeeding goals.
• Use of effective counseling skills and principles of adult education when interacting with clients, health care team members and others in the community, and working by the principles of family-centered care while maintaining a collaborative and supportive relationship with clients.
• Provides competent services for clients and performs a comprehensive maternal and child feeding assessment.
• Provides education about child feeding behaviors; signs of readiness to feed and expected feeding patterns.
• Reviews and approves internal quality control and external quality assurance programs in lactation consultation.
• Maintains knowledge and skills through regular continuing education.
• Responsible for Obtaining and maintaining Baby Friendly status at health centers.
• Participates in the development of policies and guidelines at local, regional, national and global levels which protect, promote and support breastfeeding for feeding children in all situations including emergencies.
• Periodically review and ensure the services comply with PHCC’s approved ACI (Accreditation Canada Standards) Standards and National Legislations
• Support the Assistant Director in activities regarding clinical privileging, and competency assessment by liaising with Clinical Licensing and Privileging team and Operations and Work force Training Directorates
• Engage with Workforce Development and Training Directorate to develop a comprehensive system for the training and development of relevant staff group
• Support Workforce Training directorate in delivery of relevant training programs, and monitor and collate feedback for continuous improvement
• Act as lead for the production of regular reports on progress of assignments/projects, highlighting issues and concerns and make recommendations and suggest an action plan to the Line Manager
• Act as a focal person and work with the Research Directorate supporting research activities involving functions of the assigned area.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by thinking about what might go wrong in all your undertakings and take necessary measures to prevent them from happening.

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in health-related profession (such as Nursing or Midwifery)

Certification, license or training Requirements: A valid International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certificate & DHP License

Experience & Knowledge: 5 years of experience relevant to the role in a healthcare setting