HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 64069230 1

Requisition No: 886093 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 64069230 1

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64069230 

Salary:  $1,440.00-$1,560.00 Bi-weekly 

Posting Closing Date: 10/26/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Internal Agency Opportunity

 Applicants accepted only from Department of Health employees, (includes OPS, Career Service, SES or SMS employees). Applicants will not be accepted from outside of the department.

HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST -
Position Number:
Salary: $18.00-19.5 per Hour
Posting Closing Date: 3 days
Internal

Your Specific Responsibilities:
This is a position as a Health Support Specialist with the Department of Health in Okeechobee County (DOH-Okeechobee). Employee will be tasked to determine eligibility, immunization surveillance, responsible for voter registration activities, obtain anthropometric measurements, provide a finger stick for hemoglobin testing, and support breastfeeding Peer Counselor activities as a Senior PC , complete State Office required reports, as needed, for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program under the direction of the WIC Director. The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and must be relied upon to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA guidelines, while providing excellent customer service.
Determines eligibility and enrolls clients in the WIC Program in accordance with established procedures (WIC policy and computer manual, and local policies).Completes duties necessary for WIC certification including, but not limited to, assessing financial eligibility, utilizing information provided by the participant and referral forms to complete WIC certification screens, establishing and maintaining WIC electronic records, offering clients voter registration forms, transferring in-state and out-of-state clients, and terminating participants, Completes duties necessary for WIC EBT card issuance in accordance with established rules/manuals/policies, including instructing participants in the proper use of the WIC EBT card. Issues WIC identification cards, schedules nutrition appointments as appropriate, properly documents issuance of EBT cards, and assists with maintaining the EBT card inventory.
Promotes and supports the Okeechobee County Health Department WIC breastfeeding program. The incumbent reports all matters concerning breastfeeding and PC initiatives to directly to the WIC Supervisor. Assists in the distribution, Maintenance, and inventory of breast pumps, Nursing supplementers and other breastfeeding aids to WIC participants. Participates in development of Breastfeeding education displays and materials.
Assists and Supports peer counseling program protocols and policies as a Senior PC. Determines peer counselor staffing needs. Recruits and interviews potential peer counselors in alignment with program policies and standards. Monitors the BFPC program, including conducting spot checks. Routinely reports on the program to supervisor . Helps in training of peer counselors .Mentors new peer counselors during the first six months, providing routine follow-up and guidance in the early days of the job. Participates in PC monthly meetings.Conducts voter registation activities.
Obtains anthropometric measurements of WIC clients in accordance with accepted policy and procedures. Performs finger stick and/or other methods used to obtain hemoglobin on WIC clients, as per state requirements. Transcribes all medical data to WIC computer FL-Wise system. Properly disposes of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials, cleans up work-area to ensure that any potentially hazardous material has been disposed of or placed out of reach of others (i.e., children), keeps area clean/disinfected between clients. Follows most recent DOH/CHD management
policies regarding prevention of HIV transmission.
Provides low risk second nutrition education contacts to WIC clients. Assists nutrition staff in obtaining diet histories, nutrition education activities, which can include distribution and proper documentation of information to clients, assisting in the preparation of educational materials, and promoting breastfeeding. Refers WIC clients to other community resources and assistance programs.
Accurately completes all client records, HMS EARS, People First time and leave records, Statewide Travel Management System, etc., by required deadlines. Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and other professional and staff developmental activities. Performs other related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of State Florida WiSE system, State statutes, rules and regulations, other state resources (Q-flow, WIC Direct, and HMS) and purchasing
Skills:
Navigates the internet, Excel spreadsheets and necessary systems/software and standard office equipment and supplies related to the position.
Ability: Ability to independently manage multiple work assignments according to applicable State of Florida and DOH rules, regulations, and procedures with minimal supervision. Takes direction; accepts constructive criticism and responds and implements suggestions for improvement.
Communicate Effectively: Takes initiative to communicate accurate, up-to-date plans and information to peers and management. Expresses thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens and understands the views of others.
Problem Solve/Creative Thinking: Develops new insights into situations and applies innovate solutions to make organizational improvements.
Customer Service/Human Relations: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Projects a positive image of the OCHD.
Time Management: manages a variety of responsibilities in a timely, efficient manner and can prioritize tasks, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Qualifications:
• A valid Florida driver’s license or reliable transportation is required.
• The ability to perform a finger stick for hemoglobin is required (with training) is required.
• Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours in the event of a disaster or as needed. EMERGENCY DUTY: Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or perform other emergency duties including, but not limited to responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat thereof, man-made or natural.

Current Department of Health employee

• A strong background in customer service is preferred.
• WIC experience is preferred.

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:
Okeechobee, 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 costs, visit 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.

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.