Health Support Specialist

Requisition No: 885792 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST - 64063984

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64063984 

Salary:  $34,760 - $35,760 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 10/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Open Competitive

 

 

The incumbent is part of a global public health organization and is expected to support the Florida Department of Health in Polk County in its mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts and its vision to be the Healthiest State in the Nation.  Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to incorporate the agency values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness and Excellence in all aspects of their work.

 

 

Your Specific Responsibilities:

This position provides basic medical services to WIC participants in the Polk/Hardee County WIC Program, working under the supervision of the WIC/Nutrition Division Nutritionist Supervisor.

The primary health support duties include:

• Performs height, length, weight and hemoglobin measurements on WIC eligible clients using standard, approved hematologic and weighing/measuring techniques.
• Documents anthropometric and hematological data accurately in the FL WiSE system according to program procedures.
• Screens WIC clients’ immunization records per all nursing and public health department policies and documents immunization status in the FL WiSE system per program procedures.
• Calibrates equipment according to product instructions and documents results in appropriate log book.  Maintains the cleanliness of the equipment and laboratory by cleaning at least once daily.  Follows universal precautions and the biomedical waste plan.
• Completes quarterly “Missing Bloodwork Report” and submits the report to the clinic manager.
• Maintains inventory of medical supplies at base site. 
• Recommends medical supply quantities for purchase by clinic supervisor.
• Trains new staff on correct technique in obtaining anthropometric and hematological data needed for client certification per all local, state, and federal rules and guidelines.
• Annually checks staff competencies for correct technique in obtaining client anthropometric and hematological data.
• The primary clerical duties include:
• Determines financial eligibility of clients for the WIC Program based on income guidelines.
• Documents proof of client identification, residency and physical presence in the FL WiSE data system per program policy.
• Collects and organizes medical data for final review by the Health professional for WIC medical/nutrition risk eligibility.  This may involve extensive client questioning, sending for medical records, etc.
• Conducts follow-up that is necessary for the ongoing health care of participants.  Follow-up may include:  review and transcription of medical data and determining need for medical evaluations.
• Issues WIC benefits and maintains electronic WIC files.
• Provides interactive secondary low risk nutrition education and assists clients in related goal setting.
• Educates clients on program rules, regulations and benefits redemption.
• Maintains significant understanding of FL WiSE data system.
• Completes administrative forms/reports such as EARs, timesheets and travel per department policies and required deadlines.
• Receives, secures, issues and maintains inventory control of special formulas.
• Prepares and works program reports as assigned, such as duplicate enrollee’s reports, vendor/client contact reports, high risk enrollee reports, delinquent reports, voter registration reports etc.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and other staff development activities.
• Assists with outreach activities, health fairs and other community activities as needed.
• Conducts quality improvement (QI) monitoring and reporting as directed by supervisor.
• Completes all mandatory trainings within required time frames.
• Performs other assigned duties as requested by supervisor.
• Complies with all Department of Health and WIC security and confidentiality rules and regulations.
• This position may serve clients that speak only Spanish, Creole, or other languages.  It may require performance of interpreter duties, if bilingual, or implementation of the Department’s Limited English Proficiency Plan.
• Performs other duties as required, including performance of additional interpreter duties consistent with skill level, and as needed.  

 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to use a computer, printer, scanner, and calculator
• Ability to use WIC program related software and provide proof of successful completion of the WIC WISE competency test, or new hires be able to pass this test within 60 days following date of hire.  This information may be verified through the State WIC office, local agencies, or through competency testing at the time of the interview.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform all lab duties and anthropometrics.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure completion of assignments.
• Ability to review work for accuracy and quality of content.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations.
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of people.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Ability to resolve conflict and provide outstanding customer service.

 

 

Qualifications:

• Current Florida Driver License

 

Other job-related requirements for this position: 

EMERGENCY DUTY: 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.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Incumbent may have access to records containing Social Security numbers in the performance of their job duties.

 

 

 

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:

Lakeland, 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.    

 

If there are any problems applying online, please call People First Staffing Administration: (877) 562-7287.

Service Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. TTY users, call (866) 221-0268.

 

 

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.