Clinical Lead Health Visitor: Infant Feeding

This Clinical Lead Health Visitor post sits within the health visiting service in Barnet, for Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, and leads infant feeding work across integrated teams. The role centres on raising breastfeeding rates, supporting audit and training towards Baby Friendly Level 1, and delivering universal health services in designated Barnet areas. It works alongside the Infant Feeding Coordinator and supports the Healthy Child programme.

Applicants need entry onto Part 3 of the NMC Register.

• Demonstrate and embed best practice in infant feeding and child development across Barnet and the Trust, working with Early Years teams and partners
• Act as an expert resource for integrated teams, building evidence-based knowledge and skills in infant feeding
• Assess local need and plan, coordinate and deliver training and workshops for health visiting staff and others
• Develop integrated protocols with Early Years and other specialists to support the Infant Feeding Strategy
• Provide infant feeding expertise and support to Community Nursery Nurses, Health Visitors and partners working with families
• Take the lead in working with colleagues and partners to deliver the Infant Feeding Strategy
• Plan, carry out and evaluate audits, research and innovation, particularly those relating to the Baby Friendly Initiative
• Initiate and take part in quality improvement projects using recognised methodology
• Develop and provide clinical expertise to staff, parents and health partners alongside the Infant Feeding Coordinator
• Support and enhance delivery of the Barnet Healthy Child programme as part of an integrated service
• Deliver universal health services to designated areas within Barnet
• Support the Team Leader/Locality Manager in developing the service and a safe, effective universal health provision

• Health visiting, midwifery or registered nurse professional qualification
• Degree level education or equivalent
• UNICEF breastfeeding and relationship building training

• NMC Register entry at Part 3

• Excellent written and oral communication, and willingness to lead and manage change
• High-level clinical skills to identify, respond to and evaluate health needs, including public health programmes
• High-level infant feeding skills, including baby brain development, feeding support and relationship building
• Knowledge of antenatal wellbeing and the issues of transition to parenthood
• Knowledge of training design at all staff levels, audit and Quality Improvement methodology, and co-production
• Ability to set personal and team objectives and manage time, priorities and stressful situations

• Knowledge of Baby Friendly accreditation and of infant feeding and Healthy Child Programme legislation and guidance
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and clinical governance, with ability to make decisions in these areas
• Ability to manage other staff and delegate work appropriately and safely
• Ability to work as part of an integrated team across organisational and professional boundaries
• Evidence of continuing professional development and commitment to services that improve child outcomes
• Awareness of equal opportunities and valuing diversity

• Excellent performance in UNICEF audits
• Leadership modules at Level 6 or 7
• UNICEF Train the Trainer facilitator and/or additional infant feeding training
• IBCLC qualification
• Experience in breastfeeding audit

• Support for career development