Health Educator

Requisition No: 879544

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

HEALTH EDUCATOR -

Salary based on education and experience. A nutrition degree for this position refers to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutritional science, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition. Transcripts may be reviewed from other degrees such as “food science and nutrition” or “home economics”, to determine if a track or emphasis within the degree obtained meets the requirements of a degree in nutrition/dietetics.

This position is primarily based in Jackson County but will be required to report to other WIC clinics as necessary.

Serves as a breastfeeding staff member with experience helping mothers with breastfeeding problems. Promotes breastfeeding as optimal infant nutrition and operates within the policies and procedures of the WIC program.

Promotes breastfeeding through counseling sessions with prenatal clients. Assists with counseling of WIC mother/infant dyads with breastfeeding challenges and provides follow-up breastfeeding support to participants by phone and in clinic. Refers mothers and infants with severe complications to health care providers or IBCLC for further assessment and medical care as appropriate. Acts on referrals from Peer Counselors and other WIC staff regarding breastfeeding challenges beyond scope.

Assists Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator with distribution, upkeep, and inventorying of breast pumps.

Provides breastfeeding support outside normal 8 to 5 working hours to WIC clients experiencing problems. Communicates regularly with the WIC Coordinator about activities, requests, and updates. Completes Florida Department of Health, WIC and Breastfeeding trainings.

Assists in teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes. Documents education contact in FL-WiSE for clients attending prenatal breastfeeding class. Assists leadership in updating breastfeeding class lesson plan at least annually. Ensures clinic environment endorses breastfeeding. Maintains lactation trainings, certifications, and continuing education.

Performs and records accurate measurements (height/length and weight) and Hgb as needed for certification or follow-up. Acts as backup for certifying low‑risk participants. Provides individual nutrition counseling for low‑risk WIC participants based on assessments. Identifies high‑risk clients and refers to nutrition educator or licensed nutritionist according to guidelines. Documents counseling in FL-WiSE. Makes standard food package changes and referrals as appropriate.

Attends and participates in monthly breastfeeding conference calls, monthly WIC staff and Florida Department of Health meetings. Reviews, analyzes, and reports breastfeeding indicators at least quarterly.

All other duties as assigned.

• Willingness to pursue further breastfeeding education.
• Experience counseling breastfeeding mothers and infants with complex challenges.
• Experience providing breastfeeding training and education.
• Compassion and desire to help mothers resolve challenges.
• Active listening, rapport building, and communication skills.
• Collaboration with other WIC staff and community partners.
• Literacy and language skills appropriate for a diverse population.
• Proficiency in computer communication skills and applications.

Minimum
:
All Florida Department of Health positions require applicants to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Preferred
:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or related field.
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).
• Minimum of one year experience in counseling breastfeeding women.

4979 Heathy Way, Marianna, FL 32446

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

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 or People First Service Center (1‑877‑562‑7287) in advance.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Florida Department of Health supports a drug‑free workplace. Employees are subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Veterans’ Preference applies. Eligible veterans must submit supporting documentation with each application.

Reference numbers and additional application details have been omitted for brevity.