Head Start Health Specialist JOB ID# 14139

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Program Services, the Head Start Health Specialist supports the preventative and ongoing health, nutrition and dental health care of the children in Head Start and Early Head Start. The Health Specialist monitors documentation of children's preventive health care, implements health and safety requirements, and provides education to students, parents, and staff.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage all of the Head Start and Early Head Start requirements in the areas of health, and safety.
• Oversee the implementation of Nutrition services performed by the Nutrition Coordinator.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements relating to health, safety, and nutrition as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Ensure each Early Head Start and Head Start child is up-to-date on a schedule of age-appropriate preventive and primary medical and oral health care, based on: the well-child visits and dental periodicity schedules as prescribed by the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program for the State of CT.
• Coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of individual health and nutrition plans for children.
• Review the medical history of every child applicant to plan appropriate services.
• Provide clearance to enroll using the ChildPlus database to review health documents in the child's file.
• Attend pre-start meetings of children with medical or nutritional support, as needed.
• Serve as liaison to CREC Health Services regarding health and nutrition plans and services.
• Ensure, in partnership with the Family Services Team, that each family identifies a medical and dental home during their enrollment in the program.
• Provide resources to families in need of a medical or dental home.
• Ensure, in partnership with the Family Services Team, that each child's file includes documented medical and dental history and signed parental consent forms.
• Perform, monitor, and record required health screenings on each child.
• Maintain vital statistics, up-to-date records, and reports data regarding health services to children.
• Conduct regular health and sanitation inspections; monitor the physical environment of Head Start locations.
• Maintain health supply inventory; purchase items needed; arrange for health and dental services from third parties as needed.
• Ensure the program maintains compliance with all CACFP requirements.
• Plan and organize first aid training, medication administration, epi-pen training, and CPR certification for all staff.
• Work with community representatives in planning and implementing a Health Services Advisory Committee.
• Oversee the administration of any prescribed medication given at school.
• Monitor health practices in the classroom (i.e. tooth brushing, hand washing, etc.).
• Send information on communicable diseases to parents and advises parents and staff when they have been exposed to a communicable disease.
• Provide training and resources on health and nutrition subjects.
• Conduct periodic observations of health and nutrition education components in the classroom and provide direction for improving the delivery of classroom education programs.
• Assist in preparing resources to be given to parents annually.
• Provide training on health, safety, and nutrition topics for staff and parents.
• Maintain health and nutrition budgets and ensure funds are spent appropriately.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions; and schedule and assign work.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings, conferences, and in-service training to maintain current knowledge of laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to assigned activities; serve on assigned committees and advisory boards.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, staff, and financial information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Create, foster, and maintain a positive culture and climate across the program and support the mission and vision of CREC and CREC Head Start.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and all federal, state, and local entities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university preferably in nutrition, public health, dietetics, health/nutrition education, health administration, maternal and child health, and three years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience required.
• Prior experience in Head Start or a similar early childhood education setting, preferred.