Head Start Health Specialist - 10 Month - 160735

About the role

This position works with families on assigned caseload to advocate and ensure preventive health needs of children enrolled in the Adams County Head Start program are attained and maintained, according to Office of Head Start Performance Guidelines. Also ensures the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment requirements are followed.

Responsibilities

• Works with Family Service Specialist in obtaining complete medical and developmental history for each child enrolled in the Head Start Program.
• Maintains health and screening data in our database for each child on assigned caseload.
• Assumes primary responsibility for all health related tracking and follow-up, including but not limited to, physical exams, immunizations, sensory screening, dental exams, and all medical and dental follow-up.
• Identifies and assesses medical needs of children in collaboration with contracted nurse and Health and Nutrition Manager.
• Refers parents to appropriate providers for treatment, as required by their child's health needs and/or concerns, as well as through any identified screening results.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations regarding physical exams and immunizations.
• Follows best practices and evidence based care in all aspects of screening and family and child advocacy.
• Arranges and participates in health care training programs for staff, parents, and children.
• Participates in health-related staffing and screening conferences.
• Performs accurate and consistent height and weight measurements.
• Completes sensory screenings and speech/language screenings on each Head Start child within 45 days of enrollment.
• Ensures all children receive a lead and anemia screening within 90 days of enrollment and performs these screenings when not performed at the medical home visit, according to standard operating procedures.
• Ensures lead and anemia screening abides by CLIA Waiver requirements and parental consents are signed prior to performing this screening.
• Uses Motivational Interviewing techniques to work with families and evaluate where they are at in the process of their child's preventive healthcare needs.
• Transports children to dental/medical appointments, as needed, if a barrier to receiving health treatment and follow-up is related to transportation issues.
• Notifies contracted nurse of all special health needs for children and follows up with nurse to ensure health care plans are written and electronically recorded in database.
• Ensures all appropriate follow through in regard to children's special health care needs/health care plan is communicated to all appropriate team members and all required care is properly implemented by Head Start staff.
• Collaborates with contracted nurse to schedule staff trainings, child triage, and other items as needed.
• Maintains positive relationships with community health partners and work to cultivate relationships in order to improve ACHS operations and, ultimately, provide better care and advocacy to enrolled children and families.
• Assists in completing and/or providing rationale for monthly reports retrieved from database as well as Program Information Report (PIR).
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of: Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation. Child care licensing and Head Start health regulations. Infant and Child First Aid/CPR and Medication Administration. Basic medical and dental terminology.
• Skill To Operate a variety of screening equipment related to the following areas: Vision, Hearing, Lead and Anemia, BMI, and Speech/Language. Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Ability To Learn and enhance working knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a Head Start Program. Learn basic principles and best practices of pediatric health care, public health, nursing, and early childhood development. Learn and enhance working knowledge of available community resources within the Adams County Service area including clinics, hospitals, and other agencies providing health services. Apply knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations to best practices in health care as related to the population we serve at Head Start. Prepare clear and concise screening reports as well as compile accurate monthly data on health statistics. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Conduct self in an appropriate professional manner when working with all internal and external constituencies. Establish, maintain, and foster a positive and harmonious working environment with those contacted in the course of work.