Position Reports To: Hospital Navigator Lead

Hours: Full-time, occasional evening and weekend work required

Job Objective: 

The Hospital Navigator (HN) is responsible for providing an introduction to the Welcome Baby program and describing the opportunities and services to mothers during the hospital visit, if necessary.  The goal of the hospital visit is to invite mothers to participate or continue participation in the program; observe parent-infant interaction when possible; assess for social support, infant feeding, and maternal depression; and complete the Bridges for Newborn Screening Tool. 

Key Position Responsibilities: 

The ideal candidate for this position will possess a combination of skills, experience, and passion in the  following areas: 

• The ability to approach prospective clients at bedside to introduce the program, verify willingness to participate, obtain consent, and gather referral information. 
• Skills in developing a file for each client recruited into the program, documenting all contacts with the family and agencies, and completing data forms and program documentation.  
• The ability to develop trust & rapport with clients and provides support using an empathic and client-centered approach. 
• Adheres to all program guidelines, policies & protocols and actively works toward achieving the goals of the program. 
• As a subcontractor for Antelope Valley Hospital, adherence to hospital policies is required 
• Conducts an interview with each client recruited into the program, observing parent-infant interaction; assessing involvement of father or other secondary caretaker, level of social support,  infant feeding, and maternal depression; and provides breastfeeding support and newborn health education. 
• Effectively conducts required client assessments using standardized tools for maternal depression and a risk screening interview. 
• Works closely with the Program Manager and administrative staff to provide a continuum of services.  
• Confers with assigned nurse regarding need for any additional hospital services or referrals and  assists with referral process, if needed.  
• Collaborates and acts as liaison with other members of the healthcare team, including nurses,  lactation specialists, social workers, and physician to coordinate provision of high-quality patient  care.  
• Attends and participates in all home visitation staff meetings, including bi-monthly group reflective supervision. 
• Completes all necessary paperwork for each client in a timely and organized manner, including clear  and well written progress notes. 
• Completes required data entry for each client in a timely manner. 
• Participates in periodic Peer to Peer workshops, webinars and conference calls, and Welcome Baby  and Home Visitation regional meetings. 
• Completes Welcome Baby training required for Hospital Liaison within one year of hire. 
• Completes CLE training within six months of hire. 
• Other Duties as assigned 

Qualifications Preferred: 

• Ability to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team. 
• Ability to promote bonding and attachment between infant-mother.  
• Experience working with families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Empathy, warmth, and the ability to establish trusting supportive relationships with an ethnically  diverse population.  
• Knowledge of normal fetal, infant, and toddler development; prenatal and child health requirements;  and early childhood education best practices. 
• Familiarity with the effects of parental alcohol and/or other drug abuse on family health, parenting,  and general functioning. 
• Skill in organizing and maintaining accurate records. 
• Skill in writing to articulate concepts and ideas in notes and reports. 
• Must demonstrate excellent skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and the ability to learn new  data programs. 
• Ability to solve problems, find and correct errors. 
• Bi-lingual, English/Spanish, desirable 

Qualifications Required: 

• BA degree in child development, social work, psychology, human development, public health, social  studies, anthropology, human services, women’s studies or related field, and at least one year  previous work experience in maternal and newborn health services. 
• Background in conducting standardized family assessments assessing family needs, risks and support  services required.  
• Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) at a minimum; or certification must be completed within six months of hire; alternately may be Certified Lactation  Consultant (CLC) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC/RLC). 
• Ability to work a flexible dayshift schedule that includes some Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Current and maintained CA driver’s license  
• Current/maintained auto insurance 
• Own transportation for work-related purposes 
• Current and maintained infant and adult CPR 
• Meet basic health requirements, background check, and physical job standards 
• COVID-19 Vaccination, required  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Working with overburdened, often high-risk families of low economic and varied cultural  backgrounds, living in high risk areas 
• Office and hospital settings 
• Work often performed under stressful and emotional conditions

JOB CODE: Welcome Baby