HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 64067008

Requisition No: 862008 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 64067008

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64067008 

Salary:  $34,760.00/year 

Posting Closing Date: 10/05/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Internal

Anticipated Vacancy Pending Reclassification to Family Support Worker

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for providing lactation support and education to WIC Program participants based on the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum standards. The role of a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is to establish a rapport with WIC mothers to help them make an educated infant feeding decision, while also providing them with anticipatory guidance to prevent and manage common breastfeeding concerns.  Sharing strategies for a getting off to a good start, answering common questions, encouraging moms when concerns arise, and making referrals are included in the peer counseling model to help new mothers reach their infant feeding goals.  The incumbent also maintains up to date records of services provided.  Work is performed in the clinic setting.  The incumbent for this position must complete the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Training as required by the WIC Program guidelines.

Provides breastfeeding counseling and education to prenatal and postpartum WIC participants. Counsels participants in the clinic or by phone using strategies and techniques outlined in the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.  Follows up on all assigned prenatal clients due to deliver to assure they have attended breastfeeding class and feel adequately prepared to breastfeed at birth. Follows up with all assigned breastfeeding clients after delivery. Refers high-risk or complex breastfeeding issues to the Designated Breastfeeding Expert (DBE) and/or the appropriate community partner or healthcare provider. Maintains strict confidentiality with all client information. Provides breastfeeding and prenatal follow-up contacts at intervals outlined in Breastfeeding Program guidelines. Documentation will be written in narrative format and must include assessment details and follow-up care plan based specific on findings from the discussion.  All contacts and attempts to contact are documented in FL-WiSE system under Breastfeeding Support.  Participates in the expansion, implementation and facilitation of the Breastfeeding Support Group and annual World Breastfeeding Event. Attends at least one WIC Program outreach activity/community event per year.  Participates in nutrition and breastfeeding education activities and completes all periodic DOH and WIC required trainings. Actively participates in WIC team meetings. Performs other duties, as assigned, to support the mission of the Department. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as a condition of employment.  Assists with preparing educational packets and folders for prenatal and postpartum clients, assists with teaching prenatal breastfeeding education classes in the WIC clinic giving information and support to new mothers, including informing them about the benefits of breastfeeding; overcoming common barriers; and getting a good start with breastfeeding.  Assists with scheduling and rescheduling appointments for breastfeeding families.  Ensures that all high-risk clients are referred to the Nutritionist when noted on the alert screen in the FL Wise system.  Retrieves messages and returns calls from her WIC office line and state-issued cell phone. Accurately completes and submits daily employee activity reports (EARs) and People First timesheets by required deadlines.  Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must possess knowledge of general office procedures, practices, and organization skills. Must have the ability to use online computer system and word processing, perform basic math calculations, and utilize competent language skills. Must be highly skilled in providing professional customer service and communicating effectively with clients and colleagues. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed, organize, and maintain files and records efficiently, follow instructions and review data for accuracy and completeness. Must be able to perform multiple tasks under pressure and maintain proficiency in time-management as it pertains to daily tasks.

Qualifications:

Valid Driver’s License

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:

5527 Stewart Street, Milton, FL

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 www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

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. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

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.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

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 and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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. 

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.