Health Support Technician

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Requisition No:885241

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

HEALTH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN -

Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees). Applicants will not be accepted from outside of the department.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The incumbent, a Health Support Technician, is an employee of the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, representing the agency and its mission and values. The incumbent is part of the organization and is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork in a diverse environment. The position is under the direct supervision of the Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor.

Breastfeeding:

The incumbent, a Health Support Technician, is an employee of the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, working with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and reports to Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor. This position is primarily responsible for providing social support and accurate breastfeeding information to WIC participants. Provides basic breastfeeding support, and information and refers to Breastfeeding Expert when appropriate.

Promotes breastfeeding as the normal and preferred method of infant feeding in WIC clinics, support groups, and other locations as necessary. Directly encourages and supports breastfeeding clients through telephone contacts and in person. Provides basic breastfeeding information and assists in teaching clients the use of breastfeeding equipment, i.e., manual breast pumps. Helps in the management of common breastfeeding concerns and works with other lactation professionals to provide more specialized support through the utilization of the established referral system.

Is available outside scheduled working hours (5 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends) to mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. Maintains and updates client files and provides follow-up service on all referrals received with proper documentation and confidentiality. Refers appropriately all breastfeeding clients as needed according to policies, protocol, and procedures. The incumbent in this position is responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of data sets under his/her control.

Incumbent may have access to records containing social security numbers in the performance of job duties.

Serves as Senior Peer Counselor – issues breast pumps in accordance with local agency protocols and documents approvals for electric pumps; will assist in planning and leading breastfeeding support groups and classes, as well as in training new breastfeeding peer counselors. Performs these duties as assigned by and under the supervision of Breastfeeding Coordinator - ensuring alignment with WIC policy and the Peer Counselor scope of practice.

Assist and support the agency’s breastfeeding initiatives and projects. Attend breastfeeding training and regular in-service training. Participates in appropriate WIC Program and Health Department meetings and attends conferences and workshops as assigned. Provides materials to individuals and/or families about WIC Services, breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups (if applicable). Completes forms and paperwork in hard copy and electronically as required. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients.

Assists in the maintenance of tracking systems of WIC participants and breastfeeding data. Records and reports accurate data on all client contacts to Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor.

Performs and records accurate measurements for WIC clients for lengths/heights, weights and hemoglobin. Uses CDC approved equipment correctly and follows established protocols for obtaining accurate data. Initiates and plots appropriate growth graphs or grids for women, infants and children. Performs hemoglobin tests on WIC clients, as needed for certification and nutritional care plan recommendations. Records data accurately in the medical or administrative record as well as in the WIC Data system.

Regularly checks blood-testing equipment for accuracy per company standards. Maintains all necessary logs of data collected. Adheres to all medical protocols and safety standards to ensure the health of all clients and employees. Reviews and verifies the…