Health Services Specialist
Purpose
The Health Services Specialist provides leadership and oversight for comprehensive health services for children from birth to age five across Sheltering Arms programs.
Responsibilities
Develop, revise, and maintain agency Health Services Policies and Procedures in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, BFTS/DECAL, and NAEYC requirements.
Provide monthly health management reports to administration and center directors.
Oversee collection and verification of annual data for the Program Information Report (PIR).
Participate in annual agency self-assessments and contribute to program planning and decision-making.
Ensure all enrolled students receive required health and dental examinations and sensory screenings.
Develop and implement an ongoing monitoring process, including regular site visits, to ensure identified health and developmental concerns receive appropriate follow-up to resolution.
Maintain accurate, complete student health records in ChildPlus, including tracking against 30-, 45-, 60-, and 90-day deadlines.
Participate in RTI, SST, IEP, and/or IFSP processes as appropriate.
Oversee the dispensing of medications, including obtaining physician instructions and parental consent prior to administration.
Ensure all medications are properly labeled, stored, and documented.
Review medication records with clients regularly.
Conduct medication administration training for relevant staff.
Deliver annual Health Services Procedures training to Center Managers and Family Support Coordinators.
Lead health services training topics at monthly Parent Leadership Organization (PLO) meetings.
Provide on-site consultation to Center Directors and Family Support Coaches on health and nutrition service delivery and record-keeping.
Train community partners and agency staff on relevant health topics.
Serve as a liaison with community programs providing health-related services to Head Start families and low-income clients.
Negotiate and maintain partnership agreements with community agencies.
Connect clients with written resources for community health and nutrition services.
Ensure children and families are linked to ongoing, accessible sources of continuous care.
Oversight of pre- and post-home visits with Family Support Coaches and expectant mothers following the Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum.
Lead the agency’s Health Advisory and Wellness Committee, comprising Head Start parent and community representatives, pediatric and dental providers, nutrition and mental health service providers, and representatives for infants/toddlers/children with disabilities.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, both professional and audience appropriate.
Comfortable presenting to large and small groups.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Able to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Experience with data tracking systems (ChildPlus experience a plus).
Education, Training, and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or advanced degree in health, community health plus work experience in health care or with community agencies or organizations that deliver health services to needy client.
Training and experience in public health, nursing, health education, maternal and student health, or health administration is desired.
Current CPR and First Aid certification.
Valid Georgia Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. independently; up to 50 lbs. with assistance (including children and equipment).
Ability to sit on the floor and stand up independently.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
Ability to visually supervise children from a distance of at least 20 feet across classrooms and playgrounds.
Ability to work in a busy, occasionally noisy environment with multiple simultaneous activities.
Ability to pass a hearing test and use required technology.
Special Requirements
Background check, fingerprinting, and drug tests are required prior to hiring date.
Travel to various centers may be required.