OPS HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER - 64914087

State of Florida

29d • Onsite

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County. If you are looking to establish a successful career in Public Health, you have come to the right place. Many of our innovative and successful health programs are recognized throughout Florida. We hope you decide to join our team! Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The primary responsibilities are to provide basic social support and accurate breastfeeding information to WIC participants in various locations. The incumbent in this position is responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of data and client identity under her control. The incumbent in this position will have authorized “need to know” access to confidential WIC client records and FL-WiSE, the WIC database. Assignment of duty station, hours, and days worked may vary based on agency needs. Incumbent will provide individual counseling. Work may be performed in the WIC clinic and by telephone from the incumbent’s home. This incumbent will be expected to keep a record of all activities and client contacts. The incumbent in this position will come to work and exhibit friendly customer service towards all clients and act respectfully and courteously to fellow employees and clients.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective communication.
• Knowledge of basic breastfeeding and nutrition concepts to assist clients in the second low risk contact
• Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing, and analyzing data
• Knowledge of general office procedures
• Skill in Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and computer navigation
• Skill in obtaining the needed information to make a decision which benefits the client and WIC
• Skill in analyzing and explaining regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to accurately perform data entry
• Ability to communicate effectively using various communication channels to provide education/training to audiences of varying literacy and comprehension levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to learn and navigate FL WiSE computer application.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to reach, pull, and lift a minimm of 25 pounds
• Ability to learn and remain in compliance with all Florida Department of Health policies and internal operating procedures, Florida Statutes, and WIC Procedure Manual DHM 150-24, while completing job duties.
• Incumbent may be required to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.
• Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Promotes breastfeeding as the normal, preferred method of infant feeding by providing basic breastfeeding information to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC clients through peer-to-peer counselor contact. Provides support through personal interaction, information on aspects of normal breastfeeding, anticipatory guidance to reduce the occurrence of problems, and/or additional information or resources to assist mothers to prevent, handle, and/or solve common breastfeeding concerns.
• Counsels WIC pregnant and postpartum mothers through telephone contact and in person in the WIC clinic or hospital. Accurately screens and assesses client’s breastfeeding status and needs, reviews demographic and nutrition/medical data in client’s WIC record in FL-WiSE, and documents in client’s WIC record. Peer Counselors working from home and without access to a WIC-provided laptop computer document contacts on the Loving Support to Manage Peer Counseling Program Prenatal and/or Postpartum Client Contact Forms and in Fl-WiSE when they return to the WIC clinic.
• Receives a caseload of WIC pregnant and breastfeeding women and makes routine contacts, per local agency protocols with all mothers assigned. Provides follow-up breastfeeding services on all referrals received. Respects each client by keeping her information confidential.
• Assists with presenting prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups in WIC clinics, according to local agency lesson plans and protocols.
• Works within scope of practice of providing basic breastfeeding information and support to WIC clients. Provides appropriate referrals to Internation Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), local agency breastfeeding expert, WIC nutritionist, other healthcare professional, and/or social services agencies. Follows-up with accurate documentation per established protocols as needed and/or required. Reports issues and concerns to Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects, outreach breastfeeding events, and duties as assigned.
• Accurately completed and submit all administrative records, including, but not limited to EARs, timesheets, leave request, travel, and monthly reports in a timely manner per Health Department policies and deadlines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Adheres to assigned work duties and schedule as designed by supervisor.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees