FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64002225

State of Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County WIC Program is seeking a FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER. This role is part of the 'A Journey Together Loving Support through Peer Counseling Program,' where peer counselors act as role models to connect with WIC mothers. The goal is to prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns and provide ongoing encouragement to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. This is an internal agency opportunity, and applicants must be current employees of the Florida Department of Health. The position requires daily in-office work at one of the Broward County facilities.

Requirements

• Current employee of Florida Department of Health employees (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees).
• Experience working as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in a WIC office.
• Personal knowledge and skill with breastfeeding; has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Has demonstrated expertise in breastfeeding counseling and management through previous experience as a breastfeeding peer counselor, or through additional lactation training and experience.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the WIC Journey Together Loving Support Breastfeeding Services Codes.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the WIC Data System and HMS.
• Communicates information effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Utilizes materials, equipment and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost effective manner.
• Organizes workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
• All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience documenting breastfeeding education and support in FLWISE (the Florida WIC data system.)

Responsibilities

• Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone and in the WIC clinic.
• Teaches breastfeeding educational classes and conducts breastfeeding support groups in the WIC clinic, providing basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including informing them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding.
• Follows up on all pregnant clients due to deliver to assure they have attended a breastfeeding class and offer support.
• Follows up on all breastfeeding clients after delivery ensuring successful breastfeeding has been established.
• Refers high-risk clients, according to clinic-established protocols, to WIC program International Certified Lactation Consultant.
• Processes referrals for electric breast pumps; instructs the client on the use and maintenance of the pump; follows up on a weekly basis with all clients using electric pumps.
• Assists WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.
• Retrieves messages and returns calls received from the breastfeeding warmline.
• May be required to be available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
• Attends breastfeeding trainings, workshops, and staff meetings.
• Attends staff meetings, conferences, and workshops related to area of work.
• Completes leave, attendance, EARs, travel and other reports as required and according to established procedures.
• Performs other related duties.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed