OPS HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER - 64914087 1

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OPS HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER

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.

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• 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

Skills:

• 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

Abilities:

• 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.

Other job-related requirements for this position:

Emergency Duty:  Incumbent may be required to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.  Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, 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.   

Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications:

Minimum - 

• 6 months experience working with pregnant women and mothers. 
• one year experience working with computer programs, email and file management. 

Preferred -

• Bilingual 
• Experience providing case management services to clients 

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Florida Department of Health – Highlands County

7205 S George Blvd

Sebring, FL 33875

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: 

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available: 

• 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) 
• And more! 

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com. 

Please be advised: 

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.   

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.  

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov  

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.  

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.    

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days. 

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.  

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.  

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.  

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country. 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.