Specialist, Lactation Consultant

Specialist, Lactation Consultant

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

17024

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Community Health & Wellness

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

10/27/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

The Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) provides specialized breastfeeding assessment, consultation, and care coordination for participants in the Maternal and Child Health Program. This role evaluates lactation needs, develops individualized care plans, and provides follow-up support to promote positive breastfeeding outcomes. The Lactation Consultant leads breastfeeding education efforts, including facilitating community classes and support groups, and serves as a clinical expert (Designated Breastfeeding Expert) for program staff. This position collaborates with healthcare providers and community partners to ensure coordinated care and access to supportive services. This role is responsible for delivering evidence-based, client-centered lactation support and ensuring equitable services across diverse populations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive lactation assessment, consultation, and clinical management for Maternal and Child Health Program participants across settings (clinic, home visits, hospital, telehealth), addressing complex breastfeeding challenges and developing individualized care plans.
• Deliver prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding education, including leading community classes, workshops, and support groups; develop and present evidence-based educational materials tailored to diverse populations.
• Serve as the Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE), providing clinical guidance to staff, supporting best practices, and promoting initiatives such as Baby-Friendly and Mother-Friendly care.
• Coordinate care and referrals, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and community providers; ensure appropriate follow-up and continuity of care for breastfeeding participants.
• Manage and distribute durable medical equipment (e.g., breast pumps and supplies), ensuring appropriate utilization to support lactation goals.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of client encounters, care plans, and outcomes in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in healthcare related field

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of experience in a healthcare setting

Licensure/Certification:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultation Certification (IBCLC)
• Valid Driver's License and auto insurance (Texas upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
• Ability to work well with public and staff members

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position.
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.

Work environment:

• This job operates in a professional office environment with occasional visits needed to private residential homes, clinics, and other community organizations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

• This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or Equivalent
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• N/A; No Degree

02

If you selected a degree in response to the previous question, which of the following disciplines best relates to your degree most relevant to this position?

• Science
• Healthcare
• Other Related Field
• Non-Related Field
• N/A; No Degree

03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in a healthcare setting. (To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Please provide details about your verifiable experience in a healthcare setting. DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

05

This role requires a Valid Drivers License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Drivers License?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license.
• I have a valid driver's license from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

06

Do you have a International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Certification (IBLCEC)?

• Yes
• No, but I plan on obtaining the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Certification
• No, I do not have a International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Certification

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx