HEALTH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN - 64001014

Health Support Technician - 64001014

The incumbent, a Health Support Technician, is an employee of the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, representing the agency and its mission and values. The incumbent is part of the organization and is expected to promote cooperation, courtesy, and teamwork in a diverse environment. The position is under the direct supervision of the Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor.

Breastfeeding: The incumbent, a Health Support Technician, is an employee of the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, working with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and reports to Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor. This position is primarily responsible for providing social support and accurate breastfeeding information to WIC participants. Provides basic breastfeeding support, and information and refers to Breastfeeding Expert when appropriate. Promotes breastfeeding as the normal and preferred method of infant feeding in WIC clinics, support groups, and other locations as necessary. Directly encourages and supports breastfeeding clients through telephone contacts and in person. Provides basic breastfeeding information and assists in teaching clients the use of breastfeeding equipment, i.e., manual breast pumps. Helps in the management of common breastfeeding concerns and works with other lactation professionals to provide more specialized support through the utilization of the established referral system. Is available outside scheduled working hours (5 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends) to mothers who are having breastfeeding problems. Maintains and updates client files and provides follow-up service on all referrals received with proper documentation and confidentiality. Refers appropriately all breastfeeding clients as needed according to policies, protocol, and procedures.

Health Support Technician: Performs and records accurate measurements for WIC clients for lengths/heights, weights and hemoglobin. Uses CDC approved equipment correctly and follows established protocols for obtaining accurate data. Initiates and plots appropriate growth graphs or grids for women, infants and children. Performs hemoglobin tests on WIC clients, as needed for certification and nutritional care plan recommendations. Records data accurately in the medical or administrative record as well as in the WIC Data system. Regularly checks blood-testing equipment for accuracy per company standards. Maintains all necessary logs of data collected. Adheres to all medical protocols and safety standards to ensure the health of all clients and employees. Reviews and verifies the immunizations records and status of all children. Responsible for inputting immunization data in the immunization registry and following procedures to ensure clients receive and delinquent immunizations. Determining income eligibility for program services and for providing program benefits to eligible participants. This position obtains demographic and health data through telephone and face to face interviews with current and potential WIC Program participants and inputs client information into the FL WiSE system. Determines income eligibility of current and potential WIC Program participants based on federal and state income guidelines and procedures for determining program eligibility. Medicaid eligibility is done through the FL-WiSE system and through FMMIS to obtain adjunctive eligibility for the WIC Program. Evaluates program eligibility status of each client to ensure a valid benefit issuance can be performed. Provides Nutrition Education newsletters to WIC participants. Participates in nutrition education, breastfeeding and outreach components of WIC program including representing the WIC program at community health events. Issues FL-WiSE Electronic Benefits and to certified participant in accordance with procedures outlined in DHM 150-24 and the WIC System Guide. Responsible for checking emails and phone messages on a regular basis for program information and updates. Completes assigned inventories in a timely manner. Submit reports and assigned duties within required time frames. Will be cross trained and will be expected to foster teamwork and assist staff when clinic staffing is short. Attends meetings, training, and serves on committees and performs other duties as required. This position will follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the FL DOH Handbook. Schedules appointments for participants/potential participants through the FL WiSE appointment system. Instructs participant, parent/guardian in the proxy procedure, certification periods, and appointment policies. Issues FL WiSE EBT benefits to certified participants in accordance with procedures outlined in DHM 150-24. Completes and/or updates WIC Program Verification of Certification/Identification (VOC) cards. Instructs participant, parent/guardian in the redemption process of FL WiSE EBT benefits and Farmers Market coupons and notifies participants of their rights and responsibilities as a WIC program participant. Offers voter registration and maintains appropriate documentation. All timesheets, Employee Activity Records (EARs), mandatory training, travel documents and performance evaluations are completed per department procedures by the established deadline without supervision. Attends & participates in staff/development, training, in-services & regularly scheduled departmental staff meetings. Assists with and participates in quality improvement activities such as but not limited to monthly breastfeeding inventories as assigned by the supervisor. Participates in nutrition and breastfeeding education activities, as well as WIC program outreach activities and events. Performs other duties, as assigned, to support the mission of the Department. Employees abide by State/Federal laws governing confidential and public information.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge : Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective communication. Knowledge of anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin finger sticks, analyzers and readings for infants, children and adults Knowledge of basic breastfeeding Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing, and analyzing data Knowledge of general office procedures Knowledge of basic breastfeeding practices Knowledge of local breastfeeding resources Skills : Skill in Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).and computer navigation Skill in obtaining the needed information to make a decision which benefits the client and WIC Skill in analyzing and explaining regulations, policies, and procedures Skill in basic counseling techniques. Abilities : Ability to accurately perform data entry Ability to perform anthropometric (height and weight) and hemoglobin finger sticks/analyzer readings with accuracy for infants, children, and women Ability to communicate effectively using various communication channels to provide education/training to audiences of varying literacy and comprehension levels. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to learn and navigate FL WiSE computer applications. Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports. Ability to learn and remain in compliance with all Florida Department of Health policies and internal operating procedures, Florida Statutes, and WIC Procedure Manual DHM 150-24, while completing job duties. Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to reach, pull, and lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Qualifications: Minimum Incumbent must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent. Incumbent must possess a valid Florida Driver License and have a motor vehicle to carry out these duties. Experience using Microsoft Office Products. Preferred Experience with breastfeeding or breastfeeding programs. Customer Service Experience. Spanish Fluency.

Location: Arcadia - FL