Part-Time WIC Boston Regional IBCLC Specialist - Contractor

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC Program) is seeking an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to serve our Boston region. In this role, you will be the guiding light for high-risk pregnant individuals and breastfeeding parent/baby pairs. Your expertise in lactation will shine as you provide direct support, education, and consultation, ensuring every family receives the support and care that they need. Reporting directly to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Coordinator, you will also provide immediate consultation to WIC Peer Counselors (PC), co-facilitate the mentoring and guidance of peer counseling staff, and provide staff training in clinical lactation topics.

Please note: this position requires flexible working hours. Candidates must be available to respond in a timely manner for consultation with WIC participants through local WIC program in-person visits, phone calls, and/or video chats; consultation may occur on evenings and weekends. Travel will be required to the local WIC programs.

To apply please upload both resume and cover letter.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Act on referrals from PCs and other WIC staff regarding complex breastfeeding challenges beyond their scope of practice.
• Assess and counsel the dyad with complex breastfeeding challenges and contribute towards the development of a care plan.
• Communicate care plan to the rest of the WIC breastfeeding team, as appropriate.
• Co-facilitate the mentoring and guidance of peer counseling staff to help build skills in breastfeeding counseling.
• Refer parent to their or their baby’s healthcare provider(s) for further assessment and medical care as needed.
• Provide staff training in clinical lactation topics to WIC nutrition staff at local WIC programs and/or at WIC’s Learning Center.
• Participate in statewide meetings of the Breastfeeding Task Force and peer counselor trainings.
• May promote breastfeeding within the community.
• Maintain IBCLC credential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiner (IBLCE).
• At least four (4) years of experience in counseling breastfeeding dyads.
• Strong background working with low-income breastfeeding parent/baby pairs who experience complex breastfeeding challenges.
• Skilled in breastfeeding assessment and care plan development.
• Experience providing breastfeeding training/education to the public and staff.
• Demonstrated skills in active listening, rapport building and communication.
• Ability to collaborate with other WIC staff and community partners.
• Literacy and language skills appropriate to address the needs of a diverse population, bilingual or multilingual preferred.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the cultural and health needs of a diverse participant population.
• Proficiency in the use of computer applications.
• Access to reliable transportation as travel within the Commonwealth is required.

Additional Contract Information:

• Contract Period of Service: 3/3/25 to 6/30/25
• Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.
• Contracts are renewable, subject to the Department approval, performance, and allocation of funds.
• All employees will be paid on a biweekly basis and must have direct deposit.

DPH Mission Statement:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc

For more information about the Massachusetts WIC Program, please visit our website.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!