OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64927183

Requisition No: 857013 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: OPS FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 64927183

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 64927183 

Salary: $15.00 - $15.75 

Posting Closing Date: 08/03/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator

General Description:

A WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor is a paraprofessional support person who gives basic breastfeeding information and encouragement to WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Training:

Completes Levels 1 and 2 of the FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum

Observes other peer counselors and breastfeeding experts helping mothers breastfeed.

Reads assigned books or materials about breastfeeding.

Supervision: The peer counselor is supervised by the WIC Breastfeeding and Peer Counselor Coordinator

Your Specific Responsibilities:

1. Completes FNS WIC breastfeeding training classes to become a peer counselor.
2. Receives a caseload of WIC mothers and makes routine periodic contacts with all mothers assigned.
3. Gives basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers, including telling them about the benefits of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers, and getting a good start with breastfeeding. Helps mothers prevent and handle common breastfeeding concerns.
4. Counsels WIC pregnant and breastfeeding mothers by telephone, home visits, and/or hospital visits at scheduled intervals determined by the local WIC Program.
5. May counsel women in the WIC clinic.
6. Is available outside the WIC clinic and the usual 8 to 5 working schedule to new mothers who are having breastfeeding problems.
7. Respects each mother by keeping her information strictly confidential.
8. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC mothers.
9. Refers mothers, according to clinic-established protocols, to:
• WIC CPA
• Local agency breastfeeding coordinator.
• WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert
• Other community resources following agency-approved protocols.
10. Attends and assists with prenatal classes and breastfeeding support groups.
11. Attends monthly staff meetings and breastfeeding conferences/workshops as appropriate.
12. Continues education following agency-approved guidelines.
13. Reads assigned books and materials on breastfeeding that are provided by the supervisor.
14. May assist WIC staff in promoting breastfeeding peer counseling through special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic and able to perform arithmetical calculations.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Ability to maintain records, organize, and coordinate work assignments, communicate, maintain effective working relations and good rapport.
• Ability to review data for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to follow instructions.

Qualifications:

• Has breastfed at least one baby (does not have to be currently breastfeeding).
• Is enthusiastic about breastfeeding and wants to help other mothers enjoy a positive experience.
• Can work 36-40 hours a week.
• Has a telephone and is willing to make phone calls from home.
• Has reliable transportation.
• High School diploma or GED

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:

7551 Forest Oaks Boulevard Spring Hill, FL 34606

300 S Main Street Brooksville, FL 34601

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 .

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:  

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.