Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To assist in providing support for vulnerable women in pregnancy within the hospital and community setting.

To promote and advise parents on safe sleeping and preparing for a safe environment in the home following the birth of the baby

Promote the benefits of breastfeeding earlier in the pregnancy and provide support to initiate and continue breastfeeding, to signpost local breastfeeding support groups and timely referrals for assistance to Specialist Health Visitor for Infant Feeding where concerns are identified.

Raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding amongst disadvantaged groups and promote breastfeeding to pregnant and postnatal women, their families and the wider community in Walsall. 

Adhere to and promote Department of Health & Baby Friendly Initiative recommendations in relation to breastfeeding / infant feeding  and the Introduction to Solid Foods and support to clients to implement these recommendations by working with them on an individual basis

Encourage the uptake of Healthy Start Vitamins for women during pregnancy and ensure access to Healthy Start vouchers for eligible families.

Support the team to provide information regarding services available support women in the antenatal and postnatal period (smoking cessation, alcohol support, my time active, carbon monoxide alarms, healthy weight services, nutrition during pregnancy, home safety, fire alarms, room thermometers). 

To assist the team with any health promotion or health education activity within the hospital or community.

Collate resources and set up rooms for activities and ensure there is a safe environment for mothers to be to receive information.

Support vulnerable women with lower levels of social situations through targeted pieces of time limited work delegated by the Band 6 Practitioner/Senior Early Help Support Worker (attending for antenatal contacts for example). 

Support families with completing forms and applying for assistance where it is identified there are low numeracy and literacy skills in relation to their pregnancy or social situation that could potentially impact on the care of the unborn. 

Be accountable for own professional activities within the limitations of personal expertise and agreed knowledge and skills framework

Work within a pressurised environment due to unpredictable workloads and client demands.

Will liaise with maternity services where it is indicated by the Healthy Parent to be Coordinator and also work alongside the Community Health Visiting team. This may involve meeting with mother on the ward. 

Encourage and maintain good working relationships with other departments and specialities and have a flexible approach to work, ensuring departmental efficiency

Assist families in completing forms, advocating for vulnerable mothers in relation to accessing services.

To act in a professional and sympathetic manner with women and their partners/families whilst maintaining the client’s privacy, dignity and confidentiality according to Caldicott Principles.

To escalate areas of concern to Specialist Practitioner where it is indicated the parent to be or the unborn is deemed to be at risk.

Establish and maintain communication with people on routine and operational matters using tact and persuasion and adapting style of communication when required

To demonstrate good communication skills using deep listening skills. 

To participate in own individual performance review (IPR) as per Trust policy.