Black Health Cultural Breastfeeding Support Worker

HAMILTON URBAN CORE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

**Strong Core, Healthier Lives**

Full-Time Permanent Position Available

Role : In Person Black Health Breastfeeding Support Worker

**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.

**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.
- 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.

**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 mem