The County of San Luis Obispo is committed to providing exceptional maternal and infant care, with a focus on promoting breastfeeding for optimal health outcomes. The Public Health Department is seeking a dedicated Bilingual Lactation Consultant who is passionate about assisting low-income families. This part-time, temporary position in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is located in Paso Robles and Atascadero. Currently funded through June 2026, there's potential for extension. Applicants must hold current certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This position will remain open until filled.
 
The bilingual lactation consultant will provide lactation support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the WIC program. Services will include infant weight checks, nursing and latch assessments, monitoring of milk supply, reassurance for mothers, education and distribution of electric breast pumps, and more. The bilingual lactation consultant can expect to work 20 hours per week, and approximately 75% of appointments will be conducted in Spanish.
Examples of Duties:

• Conduct lactation assessments for mothers and infants, including evaluation of latch, milk transfer, and breastfeeding dynamics. Lactation consulting services are primarily provided in-person, but may occasionally be conducted by phone, or telehealth.
• Collaborate with breastfeeding peer counselors, healthcare providers, including physicians, lactation consultants, nurses, and midwives to develop and implement breastfeeding care plans tailored to the needs of each mother-infant dyad. 
• Issue electric breast pumps to WIC mothers and provide information on use of the departmental equipment.
• Refer participants to appropriate community resources to meet other needs.
• Document lactation assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and comprehensively in the WIC Wise system.
• Stay abreast of current research, guidelines, and best practices in lactation and breastfeeding support, and incorporate knowledge into WIC practices.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
The Ideal Candidate will have knowledge on the following areas:

• Two years experience providing lactation support services.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify and address breastfeeding challenges effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse populations.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development in lactation and breastfeeding support.
• Proficiency in using electronic medical records and other tools for documentation and communication. 
• Demonstrated cultural competence and cultural humility.
• Familiarity with other local community-based organizations providing health and social support for low income families.

Minimum Qualifications:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Health Education Specialist I:A bachelor’s degree in health education, community health, communications, kinesiology, nutrition or another related field.In addition, for Health Education Specialist II:2 years of experience performing duties equivalent to Health Education Specialist I, OR, a master’s degree in a health-related field and 1 year of experience performing duties equivalent to Health Education Specialist I.Candidates must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
 
Licenses and CertificatesMust have current status as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).A valid California Driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.
 
Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application. 
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov