Ops Family Support Worker

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Requisition No:867422

Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER -

This position, an employee of the Nassau County Health Department (NCHD), works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. The employee is expected to promote innovation by searching for creative solutions and managing resources wisely. They are expected to collaborate through teamwork to achieve common goals and solve problems.

The employee is expected to be accountable and perform with integrity and respect. They are expected to be responsive by serving our customers and engaging our partners. Finally, the employee is expected to perform with excellence by promoting quality outcomes through learning and continuous performance. This is a responsible position requiring accuracy and independent judgment under the direct supervision of the Health Education Program Manager- SES working in the Nassau County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program).

This position is based at the Callahan WIC Clinic, however; may be required to report/provide coverage in Baker County, Yulee, Fernandina, and Hilliard WIC clinic locations. Employee will be operating a state vehicle to service clients at multiple sites within the Nassau and Baker County areas. Participates in outreach events and QI projects. Performs other duties as assigned by Health Education Program Manager-SES and/or Nutrition Program Director.

• Perform in a professional manner in all aspects of the peer counselor role.
• Respect the participant’s privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Respect and respond sensitively to cultural attitudes and practices of participants and the community.
• Work within the policies and procedures of the WIC program.
• Maintain records according to legal requirements and ethical practices.
• Recognize when further assistance is needed and consult with the Breastfeeding Coordinator and/or Peer Counselor Coordinator.
• Identify situations outside the Scope of Practice and refer as appropriate in a timely manner.
• Yield to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator or Breastfeeding Coordinator for situations out of breastfeeding peer counselor Scope of Practice.
• Acquire ongoing breastfeeding education to maintain and build knowledge and skills.
• Encourage and support participants to breastfeed.
• Use participant-focused communication techniques to best meet participant needs.
• Help participants identify the support available to them and educate family members.
• Help participants identify their breastfeeding concerns, barriers, and solutions.
• Teach the reasons to breastfeed and the risks of not breastfeeding.
• Teach the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the early weeks.
• Teach participants about the WIC food packages for breastfeeding mothers.
• Assist in infant feeding classes and peer support groups.
• Inform participants of local agency’s Breastfeeding Warm Line for breastfeeding support outside of usual clinic hours and outside of the clinic environment.
• Refer mothers to community resources for support, if available.
• Promote breastfeeding in the community, workplace, and health care system.
• Support breastfeeding participants from pregnancy through growth spurts, introducing solid foods, and weaning.
• Teach basic breastfeeding to participants and help them when difficulties occur.
• Teach basic, evidence-based techniques that help ensure a successful start in breastfeeding, including milk production, skin-to-skin care, positioning and latch, and milk expression and storage.
• Identify signs of the normal course of breastfeeding, including breastfeeding frequency and duration, infant feeding cues, and normal infant weight gain and stooling patterns.
• Provide anticipatory guidance to help prevent the occurrence of problems.
• Provide guidance to mothers regarding non-evidence-based breastfeeding information they receive.
• Help mothers plan for a return to work/school that supports the continuation of breastfeeding.
• Provide basic and timely problem-solving and support.
• Performs other assigned…