Position Description:
The Black Health Cultural Breastfeeding Support Worker plays a key role in advancing Black health outcomes by providing culturally competent, tailored support to Black mothers and families, focusing on breastfeeding education, initiation, and continuation. This role involves understanding the unique cultural, social, and historical contexts of Black communities and how these influence breastfeeding practices. The Black Health Cultural Breastfeeding Support Worker works to address systemic barriers, promote equity, and empower Black mothers to make informed decisions about infant feeding while respecting and affirming their cultural beliefs and traditions.
Accountability:
The Black Health Cultural Breastfeeding Support Worker reports to the Manager, Community Health Promotion, with overall accountability to the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
- Exhibit a strong understanding of the cultural, social, and historical factors that influence breastfeeding practices within Black communities.
- Adapt communication styles and support approaches to meet the unique needs, values, and preferences of Black mothers, parents, and families, ensuring care is person-centered and culturally appropriate.
- Actively identify, challenge, and work to dismantle systemic barriers and inequities that impact Black mothers’ access to breastfeeding support and equitable maternal health care.
- Plan and deliver accessible, engaging, and culturally informed education sessions for expectant and new parents, covering topics such as the benefits of breastfeeding, infant feeding options, postpartum care, proper latch and positioning, milk supply, navigating common challenges, and promoting maternal mental health and wellness.
- Provide culturally appropriate emotional support, navigation assistance, and referrals to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric mental health services for Black mothers, infants, and children facing mental health challenges.
- Lead the planning and delivery of the Cultural Breastfeeding clinic, ensuring it provides a culturally safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where Black mothers can access peer support, expert guidance, and evidence-based information.
- Develop and curate culturally relevant educational materials, handouts, and resources that reflect the lived experiences of Black families and promote breastfeeding awareness.
- Design and lead outreach initiatives to foster trust and build strong relationships with Black individuals, families, and community groups, promoting breastfeeding and holistic maternal wellness.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local stakeholders to enhance breastfeeding support services for Black mothers and families.
- Communicate with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to build trust and rapport with Black mothers, families, and community members.
- Represent Hamilton Urban Core at community events, meetings, and conferences, strengthening the Centre’s community presence and advocacy efforts related to Black maternal and infant health.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation in accordance with privacy regulations, organizational policies, and professional standards.
- Engage in ongoing training and professional development to remain current on best practices in breastfeeding support, maternal mental health, health equity, and community-based care.
- Apply anti-racism, anti-oppression, culturally sensitive, and language-appropriate frameworks in all aspects of client care and program delivery.
- Work as part of the Centre’s interdisciplinary team and adhere to Hamilton Urban Core’s core competencies and the Community Health Centre Model of Care.
- Actively participate in Centre-wide activities such as the Annual General Meeting, client centered events, advocacy efforts, and special initiatives related to Hamilton Urban Core’s mission.
- Adhere to all organizational policies, professional standards, and ethical guidelines in all aspects of client care and program documentation. Other
- Provide mentorship and supervision to students, interns, and new staff.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, including training, literature review, and peer collaboration.
- Support Hamilton Urban Core CHC-wide initiatives, including annual events, advocacy efforts, and client-centered programming. Other duties as assigned.
Performance Targets:
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Social Work, Community Health, Public Health, Health Promotion, Nursing, Community Development, or a related Health or Social Services field.
- Deep connection to, and knowledge of, Black communities, including cultural traditions, lived experiences, and systemic barriers to healthcare access.
- Relevant experience in breastfeeding support, prenatal or postpartum care considered a strong asset.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and respect for Black cultures, values, and beliefs.
- Strong knowledge of breastfeeding, infant feeding practices, and related health promotion resources.
- Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, community members, and organizational partners.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to create an open, welcoming, and empowering environment for Black mothers and families.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Understanding of the intersectionality of health, race, and culture in healthcare and community settings.
- Ability to build rapport with families, provide empathetic support, and facilitate both individual and group discussions.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, maintaining high levels of service and professionalism.
- Demonstrated commitment to health equity, maternal wellness, social justice, and community empowerment.
- Commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-racism, anti-oppression, antidiscrimination, equity, and culturally grounded models of care.
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:
Hiring Committee – Black Health Cultural Breastfeeding Support Worker
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
430 Cannon Street East Hamilton Ontario L8L 2C8
Email: humanresources@hucchc.com
Hamilton Urban Core is committed to equity in employment.
While we appreciate every application only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,628.73-$58,925.50 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Application question(s):
- Do you have a post-secondary education in Social Work, Community Health, Public Health,
Health Promotion, Nursing, Community Development, or a related Health or
Social Services field?
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-05-12
Expected start date: 2025-06-02
