Lactation Educator & Counselor

Recruitment #14-434080-01

Introduction

The Health and Social Services Department's responsibilities include providing health, mental health, substance abuse and social services to the community as well as administering federal, state and local public assistance programs.

The Public Health Services Division believes that health is all about people, where they live, learn, work, and play. From our staff to our clients, we provide people with the tools they need to maintain and improve their health. The services we provide are incredibly diverse and include such activities as conducting public health nurse home visits for moms and babies, providing medical care in our clinics, and much more. You will not find a more committed group of people than public health workers. It takes a special kind of dedication to enter the public health field. Our passion is promoting health, livable communities and healthy lifestyles. As a result, we care for individuals and the community with compassion and respect.

The Position

Under general direction, the Lactation Educator and Counselor (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) provides services that protect, promote and support breastfeeding such as providing information, instruction, assessment, assistance, motivation and support to Infant Nutrition Counselors and to lactating mothers and their families, collaborating with and serving as a resource for other health professionals to promote delivery of quality services and patient education regarding lactation and related issues, and presenting information to individuals and groups about the value of breastfeeding.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Training: Certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Experience: Two years of experience providing lactation and breastfeeding assessment, counseling and/or instruction.

To review the full class specification which includes required knowledge, and skills, please visit http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hr/classifications.asp 

Examples of Duties

  • Provides instruction, guidance, and support to Infant Nutrition Counselors particularly in regards to current and up-to-date lactation information to assist them in their interactions with clients who have difficult breastfeeding and lactation issues.
  • Conducts lactation educational and motivational classes and presentations (1) to expectant and breastfeeding mothers to include the benefits of breastfeeding and the self-management skills, concepts, resources, and tools related to health, lifestyle changes and behavior modification to ensure successful infant breastfeeding, (2) to families of expectant and breastfeeding mothers to elicit their support for their breastfeeding wife/daughter/etc., and (3) to interested public groups to encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families and to educate them regarding the long-lasting value of breastfeeding as a global public health imperative.  Arranges and coordinates room set-up, availability of materials and audio-visual equipment; maintains records of training activities including attendance rosters, class evaluation forms, collection of class fees, etc.
  • Provides individual breastfeeding assessment and identification of breastfeeding problems, instruction and counseling as needed to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.
  • Collaborates with and serves as a resource for other health professionals to provide comprehensive care that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding.
  • Develops policies and procedures to ensure effective and consistent County treatment of and the provision of relevant information to expectant and breastfeeding mothers.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Licensing/Certification Req

California Driver’s License, Class C

Supplemental Information

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed.  Applicants who have no experience in a specific area are recommended to state "no experience in this area" instead of leaving the space blank.

  1. Describe your experience providing lactation and breastfeeding assessment, counseling and/or instruction.
  2. Describe your experience collaborating with and serving as a lactation resource for other health professionals.
  3. Describe your experience in presenting information to individuals and groups about the value of breastfeeding.

Selection Plan

03/5/2014 Deadline to submit all required documents for initial application review

03/6/2014 Tentative date for initial Qualifications Review

BENEFITS

Solano County offers a comprehensive benefit package to full and part-time employees which includes a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits offered through CalPERS. Health insurance is effective the first of the month following the date of hire. The County contributes 75% of the Kaiser family rate for the Bay area. Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.

Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement, and contributes to Social Security.

Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 78 full time pay periods (approximately 3 years). Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year. Additionally, the County observes 12 fixed, paid holidays per year.

To review complete benefits information, please visit http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hr/classifications.asp

How to Apply

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County, Department of Human Resources, 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Office Assistant II) and the recruitment number (e.g., 12-123456-01).   
All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date.  Previously submitted application materials (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.  
Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

Veterans Preference Points

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 


Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

Americans With Disabilities Act

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

Conditions of Employment

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

  

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

 

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

 

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

 

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

 

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

 

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

 

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"