Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

MECA Therapies LLC•Hobbs, NM

49d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CBS/CLC provider is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based lactation support and education to clients during the prenatal, postpartum, and throughout the lactation process. This role combines direct client care with health education and interdisciplinary collaboration to promote successful infant feeding and overall maternal wellness. The CBS/CLC reports to the director of maternal health for caseload reporting/production, daily activities, EMR questions, and administrative needs. The CBS/CLC is supervised by an IBCLC for clinical lactation support. The CBS/CLC works closely within MECA’s maternal health team, including CHWs and care coordinators, to ensure clients receive seamless, culturally responsive breastfeeding support. In addition to one-on-one consultations, the CBS/CLC provider will facilitate group education sessions, identify feeding-related risk factors, and connect families to additional resources. This position plays a vital role in advancing MECA’s maternal health mission by improving breastfeeding outcomes and empowering families through compassionate, informed care.

Requirements

Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)/Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential required
Community Health Worker Certification
Demonstrated knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, infant nutrition, latch techniques, milk production management, and pumping guidance.
Experience supporting a variety of feeding methods (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, expressed milk) and resolving common lactation issues (e.g., position, latch and feeding processes).
Strong understanding of perinatal health, maternal mental health, and how psychosocial factors affect infant feeding success.
Demonstrated ability to deliver culturally competent, trauma-informed care to clients from diverse backgrounds, including high-risk or underserved populations.
Familiarity with community resources, including WIC, public health programs, hospitals, and home-visiting initiatives.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teaching skills — able to convey complex clinical information in a warm, accessible manner.
Competence with digital documentation, practice management systems, or electronic health records (EHRs).
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, including nurses, doulas, care coordinators, CHWs, early intervention, and home visiting.
Two (2) years of relevant healthcare-related experience strongly preferred.
Proficient computer skills in Microsoft and database
Proven ability to cultivate and maintain client relationships.
Extensive knowledge of local health resources and navigating government services.
Documenting all client interactions and support provided same day of visit or at the latest within 24 hours of the visit/interaction.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual ability strongly preferred in regions with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Provide evidence-based breastfeeding education and direct lactation support during prenatal, postpartum, and early infancy periods through in-person and virtual visits when clinically appropriate to support client’s needs and approved/communicated with the leadership team.
Implement plan completed by IBCLC to address challenges under the guidance of IBCLC such as latching difficulties, milk supply concerns, pain during nursing, and infant weight gain issues.
Refer client to or staff case with IBCLC if an area of concern arises at any time during the lactation support period that is outside of the scope of the CBS/CLC.
Collaborate with MECA’s IBCLCs, CHWs, Care Coordinators, Early Intervention, and Home Visiting to develop integrated care plans that promote successful infant feeding and maternal wellness.
Facilitate individual and group-based lactation education sessions for clients and families, emphasizing culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.
Screen for maternal and infant feeding-related risk factors and refer client to internal or external resources when social determinants of health concerns are identified.
Document all client encounters and recommendations in MECA’s practice management system in alignment with payer compliance and program standards.
Track and report on key lactation metrics, including initiation and continuation rates, feeding method trends, client satisfaction, and emerging client needs as tools are available.
Assist in developing breastfeeding education materials, handouts, and toolkits that align with MECA’s maternal health goals and reflect current clinical guidance.
Participate in regular team meetings, case reviews, and professional development sessions to enhance clinical knowledge and service quality.
Serve as a community liaison by representing MECA’s breastfeeding services at public health fairs, community forums, and stakeholder meetings.
Support the onboarding and training of new CBS/CLC staff as the program scales; share insights, best practices, and strategies for successful client engagement.
Collaborate with program leadership to develop and refine breastfeeding-related protocols, workflows, and quality assurance measures.
Uphold mandated reporting requirements by documenting and reporting suspected instances of abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions per organizational and state guidelines.
Complete other duties and projects as assigned.