Health Support Specialist

Health Support Specialist -

This position will be available to work as a Health Support Specialist in both Lecanto and Inverness locations. The incumbent will be required to work at either site with a scheduled or advance notification of changes. This is a highly skilled position which requires an expert understanding of the Federal WIC Program and the use of the WIC FL-WiSE data system with minimal supervision.

Having successfully completed the Florida Paraprofessional Training modules, will assist in providing quality nutrition services to WIC participants in compliance with the Federal Regulations and state policies. The incumbent is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork, in a diverse environment and as an employee of the Department of Health Citrus County, represents the agency and its mission and values while acknowledging that all information held in health records is confidential, with access governed by the state and federal laws.

Confidential information includes the clients name, address, medical social and financial data and services received. Maintains current knowledge of the Federal WIC program regulations including WIC memos, WIC FL-WiSE clinic manual and the FL WIC Manual DHM 150-24. Accurately assesses and records income, demographic and other information necessary to determine WIC program eligibility and advises WIC participants of their rights and obligations per federal guidelines.

Ensures that the Florida voter registration documentation and forms are completed accurately. Issue WIC EBT card benefits. Conducts an interactive, secondary low risk nutrition education contacts to WIC Clients and records their response. Assist in decreasing non-participation by contacting clients for appointments who appear on related reports such as the No Show and Clients Eligible for Benefits with No Future Appointment reports.

Logs onto WIC call center to assist clients with scheduling appointments, issuing benefits, benefits explanation or appointments reminders. Ensures clients are provided accommodations for language, Obtains accurate data on height and weight measurement on women, infants, and children. Performs hemoglobin testing and records results electronically. Cleans equipment and area where blood work is done daily. Maintains "universal precautions." Follows established guidelines and standards for safety in handling equipment, biological specimens and waste products to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Assesses immunization status. Completes lab/anthro and immunization sections in FL-WiSE. Promotes and support breastfeeding initiatives. Refers all prenatal and breastfeeding clients to breastfeeding support staff. Participates in the annual Breastfeeding In-Service. Reads, understands, and implements directives and other duties as assigned. Completes and submits time sheets, EARS, and travel accurately and per established division and agency guidelines. Completes monthly formula and breast pump inventory.

Cleans any returned breast pumps. Discards of any returned formula and foods according to policy. Other duties as assigned.

Working hours:

(A) Daily from 8:00 to 5:00 (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.) Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to perform arithmetic calculations. Knowledge of the procedures and practices for receiving and disbursing WIC EBT cards. Knowledge of basic bookkeeping procedures. Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner, maintain records, organize and coordinate work assignments, communicate, maintain effective working relations and good rapport. Ability to lift 15-25 pounds.

Qualifications:

Minimum - Must maintain a valid Florida driver license. Preferred - 1 Year or more experience working for the WIC program as a Health Support Specialist.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
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 (For more information, please click  );
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;
And more! For a more complete list of benefits, visit

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…