OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64901360

State of Florida•Gainesville, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Support Worker provides breastfeeding counseling and support to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients by telephone and, as needed, in person at WIC clinics. The worker receives an assigned caseload and makes routine periodic contacts with clients, provides basic breastfeeding information and helps mothers address common barriers and concerns. The position also maintains confidential and accurate client-contact records, works at outlying clinics as assigned, and refers mothers to appropriate WIC, clinical, public health, or social-service resources according to clinic protocols. The role includes assisting with breastfeeding classes and support groups, participating in staff meetings and training, completing required records and training on time, and supporting breastfeeding peer-counseling projects as assigned. The worker must be available for scheduled on-call support outside usual business hours, including nights and weekends, and may be required to perform emergency duty. The position is based at DOH-Alachua in Gainesville and requires travel throughout a 10-county region.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must have breastfed a baby for at least six months within the last five years.
Must be willing to travel within the 10-county region: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union.
Must be willing to be on call at night or on weekends, up to 9 p.m. on nights and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Must be able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds.
Must have a valid state driver’s license.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to assist mothers with breastfeeding skills.
Ability to work with people and groups with different education levels, knowledge, and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of and ability to use computer programs and applications.
Ability to problem solve.
Must be able to learn and communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Participation in the WIC program.
One or more of the following credentials: Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Dietitian (RD), Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LD/N), or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Responsibilities

Counsel pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients by phone or in person at scheduled intervals.
Receive and maintain a caseload of WIC clients and make routine periodic contacts with assigned clients.
Provide basic breastfeeding information and support, including guidance on benefits, common barriers, getting started, and addressing common concerns.
Be available outside usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours to assist new mothers with breastfeeding problems.
Keep client information confidential and maintain accurate records of contacts.
Work in outlying clinics as assigned and travel within the 10-county region.
Refer mothers, according to clinic protocols, to WIC nutritionists or breastfeeding coordinators, lactation consultants, physicians or nurses, community public health programs, and social-service agencies.
Attend and assist with breastfeeding classes and support groups as assigned.
Participate in monthly staff meetings, in-service training, staff development activities, and relevant breastfeeding conferences or workshops.
Complete timesheets, EAR entries, leave and attendance records, forms, and required trainings within established deadlines.
Read breastfeeding books and materials provided by the supervisor.
Assist WIC staff with breastfeeding peer-counseling promotion through special projects and other assigned duties.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Perform emergency duty when required, including during or beyond normal work hours or days.