OPS HEALTH EDUCATOR - 64959325

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

IN SEMINOLE COUNTY

Open Competitive

Class Title: OPS Health Educator

Salary:  $17.50 an hour

Location: 400 W. Airport Blvd

                  Sanford, FL 32773 

Remote work will not be a consideration.

Requirement for the position:

Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is looking for a self-motivated, hardworking individual fill our OPS Health Educator in the WIC office. Hours are variable, between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Total hours in workweek 32.  Explain: any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc).

This position requires traveling to other WIC sites as needed therefore you must have a current Florida Driver License.

This position requires that you have been a WIC client in the last 3 years.

This position may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency. Emergency duty required includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disasters or threat of disaster, man-made or natural. This position will maintain confidentiality and security of records as specified by departmental regulations and laws.     

The incumbent will be primarily responsible for providing lactation support and education to participants of the WIC Program.  This individual will provide education based on the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.   The role of Peer Counselor is to provide information to help clients make an educated infant feeding decision.  Sharing strategies for a good start, answer common questions, encourage moms when concerns arise, and make referrals.  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 postpartum breastfeeding WIC participants. Counsels participants in the clinic or by phone using strategies and techniques outlined in the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum training.  Performs feeding assessments as needed and refers high-risk or complex breastfeeding issues to the Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or medical provider.

Provides breastfeeding and prenatal follow-up contacts at intervals outlined in Breastfeeding Program guidelines. Documentation will be written in either SOAP or narrative format and must include assessment details and follow-up care plan based specific on findings from the consultation.  All contacts and attempts to contact are documented in FL-WiSE system under Breastfeeding Support.

Provides prenatal breastfeeding education in group or individual settings. Uses strategies and techniques within peer counselor’s scope of practice as outlined in WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Training.  Assists participants in the decision-making process by providing evidence-based breastfeeding information. 

Participates in the development, implementation and facilitation of the Breastfeeding Support Group, Breastfeeding Coalition and annual World Breastfeeding Event.

Accurately completes and submits daily employee activity reports (EARs) and People First timesheets by required deadlines.  Participates in nutrition and breastfeeding education activities and completes all periodic DOH and WIC required training.  Actively participates in team meetings.  Attends at least two WIC Program outreach activity / community events per year.   Performs other duties, as assigned, to support the mission of the Department.

Staff may be required to work at all Florida Department of Health in Seminole County locations.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: Knowledge of principles, practices & procedures correct spelling, punctuation & grammar usage, standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms, ability to promote breastfeeding benefits. Skill in operating a personal computer, performing data entry, operate general office equipment, follow office procedures & practices, organize & maintain filing systems, handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner, plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing, establish & maintain effective working relationship with others, understand, interpret & apply applicable rules, regulations, policies & procedures, prioritize individual workload, frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time, lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed, frequently use telephone, computer, copier and small hand tools, work with occasional loud noises, locate information that is listed alphabetically & numerically, follow instructions, input and review data for accuracy & completeness, work independently or with minimal supervision

Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): FL Driver’s License

Other job-related requirements for this position: Incumbent may be required to work before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.  Emergency duty required of the incumbent includes working in special needs or Red Cross shelters, or performing other emergency duties including, but not limited to, responses to or threats involving any disaster or threat of disaster, man-made or natural.

Working hours: (A) Daily from 8.00 am to 5:00 pm  (B) Total hours in workweek 32 hours (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation, etc.

Qualifications:

1. This position requires exclusive breastfeeding experience.  Have you exclusively breastfed your child for a minimum of one year?  For the purposes of this position, to exclusively breastfeed means that the baby was fed only breastmilk directly at breast or pumped breastmilk by cup or bottle for at least one year.

2. Have you received WIC in the last 3 years?

3. Do you have experience performing data entry?

Preferred –

1.  Have you completed the Loving Support through Peer Counseling Training or WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum within the last 5 years.

2.  Have you ever worked as a breastfeeding counselor?

3.   Do you have experience documenting in SOAP format?

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:

400 W. Airport Blvd, Sanford Florida 32773 

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:

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