Maternal and Child Health Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic field of healthcare, the focus on Maternal and Child Health Specialists is more critical than ever.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect the health of mothers and children grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Maternal and Child Health Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of maternal and child health care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Maternal and Child Health Specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Maternal and Child Health Specialists are responsible for providing expert healthcare services, guidance, and support to pregnant women, infants, and children.

They are dedicated to improving maternal and child health outcomes through preventive care, education, and advocacy.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Assess the health status of mothers, infants, and children and provide appropriate healthcare services
• Conduct regular prenatal and postnatal check-ups and monitor the health of expectant and new mothers
• Provide health education on nutrition, breastfeeding, child care, family planning, and disease prevention
• Develop and implement community outreach programs to promote maternal and child health
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for mothers and children
• Track the growth and development of infants and children, and administer appropriate vaccinations
• Evaluate and address any health risks or conditions that may affect the mother or child
• Monitor and report on maternal and child health statistics and trends, and advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes
• Respond to health-related queries and concerns of mothers and families
• Provide referrals to other health services as needed

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Maternal and Child Health Specialist to join our team.

The specialist will primarily be responsible for providing comprehensive health services to mothers, infants, children, and adolescents.

They will also be required to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to design and implement effective health programs and policies.

Our ideal candidate has strong medical knowledge, especially in the areas of maternal, infant, and child health.

They are compassionate, have excellent communication skills, and are committed to improving public health outcomes.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive health services including assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for mothers, infants, children, and adolescents
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to design and implement health programs and policies
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health programs and policies
• Provide health education and counseling to patients and their families
• Conduct research to improve health outcomes and services
• Advocate for the health needs of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
• Stay updated on the latest developments in maternal and child health

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Maternal and Child Health Specialist or similar role
• Strong knowledge of maternal, infant, and child health
• Excellent communication and counseling skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Nursing or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maternal and Child Health Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic environment. Some travel may be required for community health outreach programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Department or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maternal and Child Health Specialist Do?

Maternal and Child Health Specialists work in the healthcare sector with a focus on improving the health and wellness of women, children, and families.

They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Their primary responsibilities involve assessing the health needs of mothers and children, developing and implementing health programs, and monitoring their success.

This can involve prenatal care, childbirth education, and postnatal support for mothers, as well as preventative healthcare and wellness education for children.

Maternal and Child Health Specialists also conduct research on topics related to maternal and child health, and use this information to influence policy and practice.

They may also provide direct patient care, counseling, and education depending on their specific role and qualifications.

In addition, these specialists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, community groups, and policy makers to advocate for the health needs of women and children.

They play a significant role in public health campaigns, initiatives for disease prevention, and improving access to healthcare services.

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Maternal and Child Health Specialist should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with the job description:

• Having an in-depth knowledge of maternal and child health issues, with a focus on public health or a related field.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively liaise with various stakeholders such as healthcare professionals, families, and community members.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate and interpret complex health data related to maternal and child health.
• Empathetic and patient-centered approach to provide care and support to mothers and children, and their families.
• Leadership and team working abilities to lead and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare settings.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and implement effective solutions for maternal and child health issues.
• Knowledge of health education and advocacy to promote and improve health outcomes for mothers and children.
• Proficiency in program planning, development, and evaluation in maternal and child health.
• Understanding of health policies and regulations related to maternal and child health.
• Required educational qualifications in nursing, public health or related field, along with necessary certifications or licenses.

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Experience Requirements

A Maternal and Child Health Specialist usually holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a related field.

They may also have a Master’s degree in Public Health or a related field, with a focus on maternal and child health.

Entry-level Maternal and Child Health Specialists often have 1 to 2 years of experience in the healthcare sector, often gained through internships or part-time roles in hospitals, clinics, or non-profit organizations dealing with public health issues.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have developed a deep understanding of maternal and child health policies and strategies, and have practical experience in implementing and monitoring maternal and child health programs.

They may have also gained experience in community outreach and education, as well as in collaborating with other healthcare providers and stakeholders.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, having led teams in implementing maternal and child health initiatives, and may also have experience in research and policy development.

They are often ready for senior-level roles or managerial positions in hospitals, public health departments, or non-profit organizations.

Some positions may also require experience in grant writing and management.

In addition, Maternal and Child Health Specialists often need to have a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) or other relevant certifications, depending on the requirements of their jurisdiction or employer.

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Maternal and Child Health Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as nursing, public health, or a similar health science discipline.

These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of maternal and child health concepts, as well as practical skills for working with mothers and children.

Further education in the form of a master’s degree in public health, nursing, or another closely related field, with a focus on maternal and child health, is often required for more advanced positions.

Additionally, several years of experience working in a public health, clinical, or community health setting, particularly with mothers and children, is usually necessary.

Many states require Maternal and Child Health Specialists to be licensed as registered nurses or certified in a related healthcare profession.

License and certification requirements vary by state and can often include education, examination, and experience criteria.

While not always required, many professionals in this field choose to earn specialized certifications such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential or the Maternal and Child Health Specialist Certification.

These qualifications can enhance a specialist’s credibility and may provide additional career opportunities.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the ever-evolving nature of public health issues, policies, and practices.

Therefore, professionals in this field often participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Salary Expectations

A Maternal and Child Health Specialist earns an average salary of $61,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ based on the level of experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the organization they are employed with.

 

Maternal and Child Health Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maternal and Child Health Specialist need?

A Maternal and Child Health Specialist should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with families and children of all ages effectively.

They should have a strong knowledge base in public health and maternal and child health issues.

They should also be adept at data analysis and report writing, as monitoring and evaluation are significant aspects of this role.

Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with diverse populations are also critical skills for this job.

 

Do Maternal and Child Health Specialists need a degree?

Yes, a Maternal and Child Health Specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as nursing, public health, or social work.

Some roles may require a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) or a related field.

Additionally, some positions may require specific licenses or certifications depending on the nature of the work and the jurisdiction.

 

What should you look for in a Maternal and Child Health Specialist resume?

A Maternal and Child Health Specialist’s resume should highlight their education in related fields, such as public health or social work.

They should have experience in maternal and child health programs, community outreach, education, and advocacy.

Knowledge of policies and best practices in maternal and child health, as well as any specific certifications or licenses, should also be clearly stated.

 

What qualities make a good Maternal and Child Health Specialist?

A good Maternal and Child Health Specialist is empathetic and patient, able to work effectively with families and children in potentially stressful situations.

They should have a passion for improving public health and be committed to staying informed about latest research and trends in maternal and child health.

Good analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are also crucial for success in this role.

 

What are the daily duties of a Maternal and Child Health Specialist?

A Maternal and Child Health Specialist might spend their day conducting home visits for high-risk pregnancies or newborns, providing health education to families, or coordinating with other healthcare providers.

They may also be involved in data collection and analysis, program planning and evaluation, and policy advocacy.

Their daily tasks can vary widely depending on the specific nature of their role and the organization they work for.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the integral role of a maternal and child health specialist.

What’s the big revelation?

It’s not just about tending to health needs.

It’s about nurturing the future of our society, one patient at a time.

Armed with our all-inclusive maternal and child health specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why pause here?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient cared for contributes to the larger purpose.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Maternal and Child Health Specialist (Complete Guide)

Financial Fortresses: Jobs That Stand Tall in Recessions

Tech’s Labor Landscape: Jobs That AI is Revamping

Beyond the Paycheck: The Real Cost of High-Stress Careers!

Oddball Occupations: The Weirdest Jobs in Existence