HEALTH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN - 64001014

Requisition No: 885241

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HEALTH SUPPORT TECHNICIAN - 64001014

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64001014

Salary: $41,600.00-$45,760.00

Posting Closing Date: 10/20/2026

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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.

Your Specific Responsibilities:

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. The incumbent in this position is responsible for the integrity and confidentiality of data sets under his/her control. Incumbent may have access to records containing social security numbers in the performance of job duties.

Serves as Senior Peer Counselor – issues breast pumps in accordance with local agency protocols and documents approvals for electric pumps; will assist in planning and leading breastfeeding support groups and classes, as well as in training new breastfeeding peer counselors. Performs these duties as assigned by and under the supervision of Breastfeeding Coordinator - ensuring alignment with WIC policy and the Peer Counselor scope of practice.

Assist and support the agency’s breastfeeding initiatives and projects. Attend breastfeeding training and regular in-service training. Participates in appropriate WIC Program and Health Department meetings and attends conferences and workshops as assigned. Provides materials to individuals and/or families about WIC Services, breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups (if applicable). Completes forms and paperwork in hard copy and electronically as required. Keeps accurate records of all contacts made with WIC clients. Assists in the maintenance of tracking systems of WIC participants and breastfeeding data. Records and reports accurate data on all client contacts to Senior Public Health Nutritionist Supervisor.

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.

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:

Arcadia - 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.