Infant Feeding Maternity Support Worker

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and enthusistic individual to join our Antenatal Outpatient team as an Infant Feeding Maternity Support Worker.

This is a fantastic opportunity for those who are interested in maternity care to gain experience and expertise in this important area of maternity services.We are looking for someone who is dedicated, compassionate and eager to develop their infant feeding skills. Youll work as part of a small, supportive team, assisting in delivering high-quality infant feeding support to birting people attending antenatal outpatient appointments.

This is a part-time post, with a fixed term until March 2029. You will work weekdays and will be required to work across our CDDFT sites.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide care to birthing people and families attending for appointments within our antenatal outpatient services.They will advise on the benefits of initiating breastfeeding and discuss health promotion strategies related to infant feeding methods.The post holder will work as part of the Infant Feeding Team and in line with Trust policies, guidelines and UNICEF standards for infant feeding.

The main duties include:

Providing infant feeding education to women attending for outpatient appointments

Provide infant feeding parent eduction sessions

Promote and work alongside other infant feeding support professionals

Link patients with local family hub resources

Keep data accurately and appropriately on feeding methods and outcomes

Support the specialist infant feeding team with specialist clinics and care

Support birthing people throughtout the antenatal period and follow up with immediate postnatal care handing over to community service support

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities

This is an interesting and varied role, working independently with women and families under the guidance of the midwifery and obstetric team. It would suit an experienced Health Care Assistant who has a passion for patient education and a drive to achieve important public health outcomes that directly influence the health of our local community. An interest and understanding of the importance of breast-feeding initiation or previous experience caring for women and children would be advantageous to the role. The post holder will undertake appropriate training to meet the needs of the service ensuring competency is achieved, maintained and updated yearly.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE or equivalent in Maths & English
• Relevant NVQ Level 3

Desirable

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working in an NHS role

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Maternity Support Worker or equivalent role would be desirable.
• Ability to carry out clinical observations, recognising and reporting deviations from the norm

Specials Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independantly and within a team.
• Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues.
• Ability to show initiative and take on own responsibility and accountability.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage own time.

Desirable

• An understanding of the key public health messages around smoking, health lifestyle in pregnancy and infant feeding knowledge would be desirable
• Previous experience supporting infant feeding would be advantageous

Special Requirements

Essential

• Full UK driving licence and access to transport

Desirable

• Willing to work across CDDFT Sites