Position Overview
Vital Village Networks and the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition are seeking a Practicum Supervisor to support Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) Scholars during their six-month volunteer service learning placement at Baby Cafés. This role is ideal for someone with lactation training and a passion for mentoring future peer counselors in a community-centered, family-supportive setting. The role includes both virtual and in-person responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on in-person presence at Baby Cafés across Boston 3–4 days per week (2-hour sessions each).
Key Responsibilities
Scholar Onboarding & Supervision
- Welcome and orient CBS Scholars once they complete course requirements and are cleared to begin practicum
- Provide guidance and mentorship throughout the 6-month placement for a caseload of 2–3 scholars
- Serve as a reliable, supportive point of contact to answer questions, address concerns, and encourage growth
- Monitor attendance and scholar engagement, following up on missed shifts and supporting scheduling adjustments
In-Person Baby Café Coordination
- Attend 3–4 in-person Baby Cafés per week (each lasting 2 hours)
- Ensure a scholar co-facilitator is present at each session and provide real-time support
- Set up and break down the physical space as needed and ensure it is left in good condition
- Build and maintain relationships with host site contacts and staff
- Share and update flyers and outreach materials with site staff and related providers
- For hybrid groups, set up Zoom connections using site technology
- Maintain in-person sign-in sheets and contact records
- Facilitate communication with scholars via WhatsApp or text as needed
Virtual Café & Logistics Management
- Maintain and manage recurring Zoom links for all Baby Café sessions (virtual and hybrid)
- Send reminders to parents, facilitators, and scholars before each session
- Update meeting links and notify relevant contacts of cancellations or schedule changes
- Track and share last-minute parent registrations with facilitators and scholars
Documentation & Reporting
- Submit brief reflection notes after each session
- Ensure accurate tracking of scholar hours, site attendance, and parent engagement
- Support overall program coordination by keeping communication clear and timely
Qualifications
- Completion of lactation training (CBS, CLC, or ROSE)
- Ideal candidate has had some experience with Boston Breastfeeding Coalition Baby Cafes
- Experience providing lactation support in community-based settings is strongly preferred
- Comfortable using Zoom, Google Workspace, and other basic tech tools
- Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
- Warm, clear, and culturally humble in mentoring and supporting new peer counselors
- Flexible and dependable, with the ability to travel to various Baby Café sites across Boston
- Bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
To Apply:
Please submit a brief cover letter and resume and 3 references to ajones@vitalvillage.org with the subject line: Practicum Supervisor Application – Baby Café. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This is a unique opportunity to support the next generation of breastfeeding peer counselors and help build strong, welcoming spaces for families across Boston. We look forward to meeting candidates who are passionate about community health, equity, and supporting parents in their early caregiving journey.
