OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64951130

Requisition No: 812622 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64951130

Position Number: 64951130 

Salary:  $17 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 10/08/2023 

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?

Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks.  OPS are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the recommendation of the employer.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? (If applicable)

• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan- Mandatory
• Workers’ Compensation- Mandatory
• Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation)- Mandatory
• Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements. Consult with People First and/or the serving HR office)
• Deferred Compensation- Voluntary
• Employee Assistance Program- Voluntary

WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES?

• Any form of paid leave
• Paid holidays.
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System
• Reinstatement rights or retention rights
   
  Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco 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.

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

 General Description:

• A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Training:

• Completes Levels 1 and 2 of the FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum
• Observes other peer counselors and breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.
• Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.

Supervision: The peer counselor is supervised by the WIC Breastfeeding and Peer Counselor Coordinator

Specific Duties of the WIC Peer Counselor:

1. Completes FNS WIC breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
2. Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
3. Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
4. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC Program.
5. May counsel women in the WIC clinic.
6. Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
7. Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
8. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
9. Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
   • WIC CPA
   • Local agency breastfeeding coordinator.
   • WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert
   • Other community resources following agency-approved protocols. 
10. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
11. Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
12. Continues education following agency-approved guidelines. 
13. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
14. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic and able to perform arithmetical calculations.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Ability to maintain records, organize, and coordinate work assignments, communicate, maintain effective working relations and good rapport.
• Ability to review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to follow instructions. 

Qualifications:

•  Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
•  Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience. 
• Can work about 10 hours a week.
• Has a telephone and is willing to make phone calls from home.
• Has reliable transportation.
• High School diploma or GED

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Multiple openings.

• 33845 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
• 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson, FL 34667

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check. 

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov. 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

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.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.