Ops Health Support Worker

Job Overview

Requisition No: 870755
Agency:
Department of Health

Working Title:

OPS HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER -  1

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 is responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of data and client identity under her control.

The incumbent 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 is expected to keep a record of all activities and client contacts and to exhibit friendly customer service toward 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 additional resources to assist mothers in preventing, handling, and/or solving 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 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 and 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 IBCLC, local agency breastfeeding expert, WIC nutritionist, other healthcare professional, or social services agencies. Follows up with accurate documentation per established protocols as needed and reports issues and concerns to Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Coordinator.

May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects, outreach events, and duties as assigned.

Accurately completes and submits all administrative records, including, but not limited to, EARs, timesheets, leave requests, 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.

• 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.
• Skill in Microsoft Office…