Lactation Specialist
About Us
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 138 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings.
Our Mission
As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all. To learn more about a calling that defines and unites, please click here for more information about our mission, vision, and values.
The posted compensation range of $34.00 - $50.58 /hour is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay CommonSpirit in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting. CommonSpirit may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range as permitted by law.
Our Lactation Specialist provides inpatient lactation education services to promote breastfeeding as the optimal form of infant nutrition to parents, children, and families for Franciscan Health System’s Lactation Services program. An incumbent provides training and support to mother/infant pairs to ensure that breastfeeding is a positive experience, thus increasing the duration of this health-enhancing and cost-saving practice.
Work requires knowledge of accepted standards/practices relating to lactation and breastfeeding, and of related supplies and equipment. May involve evening and/or weekend/holiday hours.
Provides accurate, current and consistent information on breastfeeding and instruction on proper breastfeeding techniques to mothers/babies in an inpatient setting.
- Considers the learning needs and levels of each client while counseling, supporting and promoting breastfeeding activities.
- Explains techniques to minimize breastfeeding dysfunction and promote successful outcomes.
- May perform visual breast assessment consistent with individual scope of practice.
- Provides information on related subjects, including specific information at upon discharge, such as maternal nutrition, breastfeeding challenges, breastfeeding support groups, etc.
- Addresses concerns and corrects misinformation that may impact the decision to breastfeed.
- Provides access to recommended equipment.
- Provides consultation on medication use during breastfeeding within scope of practice.
Identifies breastfeeding experiences that are not the norm (e.g., improper latch-on, inadequate intake, etc.) and makes an immediate and appropriate referral (e.g., Lactation Consultant, other healthcare provider, or outpatient follow-up).
Completes all required documentation in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner in accordance with FHS standards and procedures.
Provides education and community outreach on breastfeeding, including conducting or assisting with group classes, in-services and presentations to patients, healthcare providers and interested community organizations.
- Assists in course development, revision and evaluation processes.
- Acts as a liaison/representative of the Franciscan Health System and Women’s Care Centers to care providers, community agencies, other FHS task forces and committees as requested.
- Attends staff meetings and stays up-to-date on breastfeeding best practices.
Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
Performs related duties as required.
Job Requirements
Education/Work Experience:
Completion of an accredited Lactation/Breastfeeding Educators course (or equivalent*) and one year of recent related work experience in areas relevant to course topics that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities. Adult teaching experience is preferred.
*Equivalency: Minimum of 50 Lactation-Cerps within last ten years and 500 hours of experience working with breastfeeding mother/infant pairs.
Licensure/Certification:
Current Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) OR completion of a lactation educator program as reflected by certificate of completion.
Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Depending on the position offered, CommonSpirit Health offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision plans, life insurance, paid time off (full-time benefit eligible team members may receive a minimum of 14 paid time off days, including holidays annually), tuition reimbursement, retirement plan benefit(s) including, but not limited to, 401(k), 403(b), and other defined benefits offerings, as may be amended from time to time. For more information, please visit https://www.commonspirit.careers/benefits.
Unless directed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement, applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis. CommonSpirit Health cannot anticipate the date by which a successful candidate may be identified.
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Equal Opportunity
CommonSpirit Health™ is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, please click here.
CommonSpirit Health™ will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c). External hires must pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with an arrest and/or conviction will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, ban the box laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by telephone at (415) 438-5575 and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). CommonSpirit Health™ participates in E-Verify.