Maternal Health Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of healthcare advancements, the focus on maternal health specialists has never been more critical.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our maternal health system heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a maternal health specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of maternal health specialization,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable maternal health specialist job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maternal Health Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Maternal Health Specialists focus on the health and well-being of women before, during and after childbirth.

Their main goal is to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and child during the entire maternity period.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing prenatal care to pregnant women and educating them about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum health
• Conducting regular check-ups to monitor the health of the mother and the developing baby
• Identifying high-risk pregnancies and health problems in mothers and babies, and providing or arranging for appropriate care
• Monitoring the progress of labor and delivery, and providing care and support to women during this process
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians and nurses, to ensure comprehensive care for mothers and babies
• Performing postnatal checks on mothers and babies, and providing advice on breastfeeding, contraception, and general postpartum health
• Keeping accurate records of patient history, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in maternal health, and applying this knowledge in patient care

 

Maternal Health Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Maternal Health Specialist to join our healthcare team.

The Maternal Health Specialist will work with expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, providing them with the necessary health education, counseling, and services.

Our ideal candidate is experienced in prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care, with a strong emphasis on preventative care and women’s health education.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide health education and counseling to expectant mothers and their families
• Monitor maternal health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals for prenatal and postnatal care
• Advocate for patient needs and coordinate referrals to specialists as needed
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of latest advancements in maternal health
• Develop, implement, and evaluate maternal health programs
• Conduct research to improve maternal health outcomes
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Maternal Health Specialist
• Knowledge of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care
• Strong understanding of healthcare laws and medical ethics
• Excellent communication and counseling skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Registered Nurse (RN) or equivalent
• Master’s degree in Midwifery, Nursing, Public Health or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maternal Health Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital setting, with occasional home visits. On-call and weekend work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Maternal Health or Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Health Specialist Do?

A Maternal Health Specialist primarily works in the healthcare industry, often in hospitals, clinics, or other medical settings.

They may also be employed in research institutions or in public health agencies.

Their main role is to provide comprehensive care and services to expectant mothers and women in the postpartum period.

This includes health education, prenatal care, monitoring the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy, and managing labor and delivery.

Maternal Health Specialists often work in teams with obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

They also collaborate with social workers or counselors to address the mental health and emotional well-being of mothers.

They are responsible for identifying and managing high-risk pregnancies, such as those with complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

They also offer counsel on issues like nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy.

Post-delivery, they monitor the recovery of the mother, provide breastfeeding support, and offer advice on newborn care.

Maternal Health Specialists play a key role in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates by ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth experiences for women.

They also contribute to research and policy-making in the field of maternal health.

 

Maternal Health Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Maternal Health Specialist should possess a range of medical, interpersonal, and organizational skills, including:

• Deep understanding and knowledge of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care, ensuring that expecting mothers and newborns receive the required healthcare attention.
• Ability to provide patient-centered care with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity, understanding the physical and emotional needs of pregnant women and new mothers.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals, providing clear explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and care plans.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly and efficiently diagnose and treat complications during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing the risk to both mother and child.
• Attention to detail to accurately monitor the health of the mother and the unborn baby, and to detect any abnormalities or health issues at an early stage.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies during labor and delivery, providing immediate and effective medical interventions.
• Knowledge of relevant medical tools and technologies used in obstetrics and gynecology, and ability to use them with precision.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage patient records, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and follow-up on the progress of patients.

 

Maternal Health Specialist Experience Requirements

Maternal Health Specialists generally hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, followed by a Master’s degree in midwifery or women’s health.

During their educational journey, these specialists gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience through clinical rotations that expose them to the various aspects of maternal health.

For entry-level positions, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, residency, or a part-time role in a women’s health clinic, hospital, or other healthcare settings.

These individuals typically have experience in prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and women’s reproductive health.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills and knowledge through roles such as Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery Nurse, or Women’s Health Nurse.

They have comprehensive experience in providing clinical care to pregnant women, health education, and counseling, as well as managing complications and emergencies.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have leadership experience and are often ready for roles such as Maternal Health Program Manager or Director.

These professionals have extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating maternal health programs, policies, and research.

In addition to their clinical skills, they usually have experience in project management, team leadership, and collaboration with different stakeholders in the maternal health field.

 

Maternal Health Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Maternal Health Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, midwifery, public health or a related field.

They also need to have a comprehensive understanding of prenatal and postnatal healthcare, as well as expertise in areas such as family planning and reproductive health.

In many cases, Maternal Health Specialists also complete a master’s degree in a related field, such as women’s health, public health, or midwifery.

This advanced training gives them a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges in maternal healthcare, and prepares them for leadership roles in their field.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require Maternal Health Specialists to be licensed as a Registered Nurse or Certified Nurse Midwife.

To maintain their license, they may need to complete ongoing education and training, which keeps them up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in maternal healthcare.

In addition to formal education and licensing, Maternal Health Specialists need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they work closely with women and families throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

They may also need training in cultural competency, as they often work with diverse populations.

Certifications in related areas, such as lactation consulting or childbirth education, can also be beneficial for Maternal Health Specialists.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to continual learning and expertise in specialized areas of maternal health.

 

Maternal Health Specialist Salary Expectations

A Maternal Health Specialist earns an average salary of $90,120 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specialization, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution.

 

Maternal Health Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maternal Health Specialist need?

A Maternal Health Specialist should have a solid foundation in clinical care, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology.

They should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.

They should also have strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and the capability to make quick decisions during emergencies.

Knowledge of maternal health programs and policies, as well as cultural sensitivity, are also vital.

 

What kind of education does a Maternal Health Specialist need?

Maternal Health Specialists typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a related field.

Further, they may need specialized training in maternal and child health or obstetrics and gynecology.

Some positions may require a Master’s degree or a higher level of education in a relevant field.

Additionally, licensing or certification may be necessary depending on the specific role and region.

 

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

In a Maternal Health Specialist’s resume, look for a solid educational background in a relevant field, such as nursing, public health, or medicine.

Look for work experience related to maternal and child health, such as working in a hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department or in public health programs focused on maternal and child health.

Certifications and licenses related to maternal health are also important.

 

What qualities make a good Maternal Health Specialist?

A good Maternal Health Specialist is empathetic, patient, and caring, as they often deal with patients in sensitive and potentially stressful situations.

They should also be culturally sensitive, respectful, and able to work with diverse populations.

Excellent communication skills are essential to convey important health information effectively to patients and their families.

They must also be detail-oriented, vigilant, and quick-thinking, especially when faced with emergencies.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Maternal Health Specialist?

Hiring a Maternal Health Specialist can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and qualifications required for the role.

It is important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, continued professional development opportunities, and a supportive working environment to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of what it means to be a Maternal Health Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about nurturing the future generation, one mother at a time.

With our indispensable Maternal Health Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a mother is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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