Maternal & Infant Health Nurse Consultant [Contract Position]

Description

Job Overview

The Maternal & Infant Health Nurse Consultant provides professional nursing services to participants enrolled in the Midwest Healthy Start Program on a contractual basis. The consultant conducts health assessments, provides maternal and infant health education, supports care coordination, and delivers evidence-based nursing interventions that promote healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, postpartum recovery, and infant well-being. Working collaboratively with Community Health Workers, Behavioral Health Clinicians, Doulas, Lactation Consultants, medical providers, and community partners, the consultant helps participants navigate healthcare systems and access appropriate medical services.

Scope of Services

Clinical Nursing Services

• Conduct comprehensive maternal and infant health assessments for program participants. 
• Review medical histories and identify health risks requiring intervention or referral. 
• Monitor participant health status throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. 
• Provide nursing consultation regarding prenatal care, postpartum recovery, newborn care, chronic disease management, nutrition, and preventive health. 
• Reinforce participant understanding of medical recommendations and treatment plans.

Participant Education

Provide individual and group education regarding:

• Prenatal  health 
• Healthy pregnancy 
• Postpartum recovery 
• Safe Sleep 
• Breastfeeding support 
• Infant growth and development 
• Nutrition 
• Family planning 
• Chronic disease prevention 
• Immunizations      
• Infant safety

Care Coordination

• Coordinate nursing services with obstetrical providers,  pediatricians, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and specialty providers. 
• Collaborate with Community Health Workers, Behavioral      Health Clinicians, Doulas, and other consultants to support integrated care. 
• Assist participants with navigating healthcare systems and accessing appropriate services. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews as requested. 

Clinical Consultation

• Provide nursing consultation to program staff regarding maternal and infant health concerns. 
• Assist with development of participant care plans. 
• Identify participants requiring immediate medical evaluation and facilitate timely referrals. 
• Support quality improvement activities related to maternal and infant health outcomes. 

Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided. 
• Complete required documentation in accordance with SGA      policies and grant requirements. 
• Protect participant confidentiality in accordance with      HIPAA and professional nursing standards.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Illinois Registered Nurse license in good standing. 
• BSN required; MSN preferred. 
• Minimum five years of experience in maternal-child health, obstetrics, labor and delivery, postpartum, public health nursing,      or community health. 
• Current CPR certification. 
• Professional liability insurance preferred. 
• Experience serving diverse and underserved communities.      
• Knowledge of HRSA Healthy Start initiatives is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional nursing experience providing direct patient care required; five (5) or more years preferred. 
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is      strongly preferred: 
  • Maternal and child health 
  • Labor and Delivery 
  • Postpartum/Mother-Baby 
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology 
  • Neonatal or Pediatric Nursing 
  • Community or Public Health Nursing 
  • Family Practice 
• Experience providing health education, patient counseling, and care coordination for diverse populations. 
• Experience working with pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and families experiencing medical, behavioral, or social risk factors preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of an interdisciplinary care team. 
• Experience serving historically underserved, culturally diverse, or medically vulnerable communities preferred. 
• Experience with home visiting, community-based nursing, or federally funded maternal and child health programs (e.g., Healthy Start, MIECHV, WIC, FQHCs, or similar) is highly desirable. 
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs), case management systems, or other electronic documentation p