OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64935321

State of Florida • Alachua, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Health is seeking an OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER to perform in a professional manner in all aspects of the peer counselor role. This role involves respecting participant privacy, dignity, and confidentiality, and responding sensitively to cultural attitudes and practices. The worker will operate within the policies and procedures of the WIC Program, maintain records according to legal requirements and ethical practices, and recognize when assistance is needed, consulting with supervisors and coordinators as necessary. Identifying situations outside the Scope of Practice and referring them appropriately is also a key responsibility. The position requires acquiring ongoing breastfeeding education to maintain and build knowledge and skills within the Scope of Practice.

Requirements

• Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. This may include working in a special needs or Red Cross shelter, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.
• Exclusively breastfed an infant for at least 6 months.
• Willing to travel to different WIC sites in Lake County.
• Must be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing individual or group education regarding breastfeeding.
• Experience talking and presenting to groups

Responsibilities

• Perform in a professional manner in all aspects of the peer counselor role: Respect the participant’s privacy, dignity, and confidentiality. Respect and respond sensitively to cultural attitudes and practices of participants and the community. Work within the policies and procedures of the WIC Program. Maintain records according to legal requirements and ethical practices. Recognize when assistance is needed and consult with the supervisor, Breastfeeding Coordinator and/or Peer Counselor Coordinator, and the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert (WIC DBE). Identify situations outside the Scope of Practice and refer as appropriate in a timely manner. Yield to the WIC DBE for situations out of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Scope of Practice. Acquire ongoing breastfeeding education to maintain and build knowledge and skills within the Scope of Practice.
• Encourage and support participants to breastfeed: Use participant-focused communications techniques to best meet participant needs. Help participants identify the support available to them and educate family members. Help women identify their breastfeeding concerns, barriers, and solutions. Teach the reasons to breastfeed and the risks of not breastfeeding. Teach the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the early weeks. Teach participants about the WIC food packages for breastfeeding mothers. Assist in infant feeding classes and peer support groups. Be available to WIC participants outside of usual clinic hours and outside of the clinic environment. Refer mothers to resources for support. Promote breastfeeding in the community, workplace, and health care system. Support breastfeeding participants from pregnancy through growth spurts, introducing solid foods, and weaning.
• Teach basic breastfeeding to participants and help them when difficulties occur: Teach basic, evidenced-based techniques to help ensure a successful start in breastfeeding, including milk production, skin-to-skin care, positioning and latch, and milk expression and storage. Identify signs of the normal course of breastfeeding, including breastfeeding frequency and duration, infant feeding cues, and normal infant weight gain and stooling patterns. Provide anticipatory guidance to help prevent the occurrence of problems. Provide guidance to mothers regarding non-evidence-based breastfeeding information they receive. Help mothers plan for a return to work/school that supports the continuation of breastfeeding. Provide basic and timely problem-solving and support. Yield mothers experiencing difficulties to the WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert.

Benefits

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (mandatory)
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Workers’ Compensation (mandatory, if needed)
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) (mandatory, if needed)
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)
• Employee Assistance Program (voluntary)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed