FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Family Support Worker - 64082105

This position provides basic social services and direct WIC Program breastfeeding education, assistance and/or support to WIC participants in various locations throughout Miami Dade County. This position requires specialized training to provide appropriate breastfeeding counseling for WIC participants. The incumbent provides services for the WIC Program in accordance with DHM 150 24, and the FL WISE User's Manual. Incumbent is responsible to follow and adhere to all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) and the WIC and Nutrition Program. The incumbent in this position will have the authorized "need to know" access to confidential WIC client records, and the FL WISE data system. Assignments of Duty Station, hours and days worked may vary based on agency/unit needs. Incumbent will have access to records containing social security numbers in the performance of job duties. The incumbent of the position will work with a diverse population and will deliver services in English/Spanish or English/Creole.

Promote breastfeeding as the normal, preferred method of infant feeding by providing basic research based breastfeeding information to pregnant and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers through peer-to-peer counselor contacts. Provide support through personal interaction, information on aspects of normal breastfeeding, anticipatory guidance to reduce the occurrence of problems, and/or additional information or resources. The incumbent will model breastfeeding and parenting of infants and may bring their infants (under one year of age) to class demonstrations, clinic waiting rooms, and other WIC program events. Counsel WIC pregnant and postpartum mothers by telephone and/or in Miami Dade WIC units to manage common maternal and infant breastfeeding issues. Properly screen and assess client's breastfeeding needs, obtain demographic information and breastfeeding/health data, and document in the client's electronic record. Give basic research-based information to assist mother to prevent, handle and remedy common breastfeeding concerns. Provide appropriate referral to IBCLC and/or other health care professionals and follow-up with accurate documentation according to established protocols as needed and/or required. Directly encourage and support breastfeeding clients through telephone assistance via the Miami Dade WIC Breastfeeding Helpline. Maintain Miami Dade WIC Breastfeeding Helpline during official operating hours, nights, weekends and/or holidays. During core work hours incumbent must maintain online availability to answer live calls. Return client calls within the approved time frame as determined by the Breastfeeding Coordinator. Provide appropriate follow-up as needed and/or required. Teach breastfeeding classes and lead support groups in FL DOH Miami Dade WIC units, hospitals, outreach events, local community organizations and businesses, as assigned. Participates in outreach activities including but not limited to health fairs, DOH events, community programs, contacting healthcare professionals, contacting potential WIC clients, attending outreach activities, scheduling and rescheduling client appointments, and other outreach activities as assigned. Operates FL WISE Computer System, scanners, pin pads, and network printers, and electronic databases. Attends all WIC Program, Florida Health in Miami Dade County, Florida Health and other meetings or conferences as assigned. Participates in mandatory meetings and in service trainings. Ensure accurate completion and timely submission of all administrative records including but not limited to: EARs, timesheets, leave requests, travel, monthly reports, SERVFL, Train Florida, etc. Email communications must be maintained on daily basis. Provide support to Breast Pump Coordinator that may include, but not limited to breast pump education, follow ups, issuance and timely and proper disinfection of breast pumps. Performs all other duties as assigned. Adheres to assigned work duties as designated by supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge and skills in applying breastfeeding policies, principles and practices as they relate to the needs of the clients. Skill in determining breastfeeding needs and developing breastfeeding education plans with proper referrals. Ability to provide breastfeeding education to WIC clients with proper documentation. Ability to promote WIC Services in a professional manner. Knowledge and skills in use of computer, Outlook, WIP, TLC, and Word. Ability to analyze data, solve problems independently and complete arithmetic calculations. Ability to be discreet and maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to communicate effectively with others in writing and orally as indicated by the needs of the audience. Ability to communicate verbal information effectively to individuals and/or group of individuals. Ability to enter data quickly and accurately into computerized database. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to get along well with people. Ability to initiate, work independently, highly organized and attentive to details. Ability to interview clients. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work activities. Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to use WIC Data System proficiently. Knowledge of correct grammar.

Qualifications: Minimum – Incumbent in this position is required to be a Certified Paraprofessional Breastfeeding Peer Counselor within six months of being hired. Preferred – Incumbent in this position is preferred to be bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Creole.

Where You Will Work: 2250 NW 82nd Ave Miami, FL 33122.

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 Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit