Mgr, Health & Nutrition

About the role

The Manager of Health & Nutrition supports the health and nutrition systems and services within a program, guiding the health and wellness curricula, program planning, policy development and training. You will provide technical and management support to the Head Start / Early Head Start programs to ensure effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of the health and nutrition services.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate systems for the delivery of health, nutrition and safety services. Includes center and, where applicable, home based services.
• Meet federal, state, and program documentation requirements by maintaining accurate, objective, complete, timely, and well-organized child records as it relates to health and nutrition, both on paper and in designated online systems.
• In collaboration with education staff, research, evaluate and prepare recommendations on health, nutrition and safety curricula to ensure compliance with Performance Standards and monitor for fidelity in implementation.
• Monitor health and nutrition services throughout program. Collect and use quality data to support the use of effective practices that have a positive impact on family and child outcomes, including school readiness.
• Participate in the development of integrated school readiness plans. Assist in development of program training plan. Facilitate and provide training, coaching and technical assistance to staff, parents and volunteers.
• Aid in the development and monitoring of health and nutrition budgets. In coordination with supervisor who has responsibility for procurement of materials, identify and prioritize materials and equipment needed.
• Work cooperatively with staff to integrate health and nutrition services with education, disability, parent engagement, and family services. Secure contracts and interagency agreements with community service providers to enhance local delivery of comprehensive services to children and families.
• Analyze information and then create and submit required reports. Responsible for the implementation of health services advisory committee in collaboration with a range of community specialists (e.g., medical, dental, speech, nutrition, mental health).
• Oversee Child Care Food Program, planning menus in coordination with Food Service Manager and Nutritionist. Secure contracts and interagency agreements with community service providers to enhance local delivery of comprehensive services to children and families.
• Secure contracts and interagency agreements with community service providers to enhance local delivery of comprehensive services to children and families. Analyze information and then create and submit required reports.
• Protect the safety of children by ensuring the implementation of active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Attend home visits, parent conferences or health when requested or as necessary. Visit each site and classrooms on a regular basis (4-6 hours per month per site) to conduct observations, provide training and technical assistance, coaching and mentoring.
• Provide a newborn visit with each mother and baby to offer support and identify family needs. Facilitate the ability of all enrolled pregnant women to access comprehensive services through referrals to include nutritional counseling, food assistance, oral health care, and mental health services.
• Oversee tracking of all related health and nutrition screenings and assessments and participate in local evaluation activities, when applicable.
• Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching/in-kind funds.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Perform other related tasks as needed.

Requirements

• A minimum of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certification/Diploma or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in health or nutrition related field; plus at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in a position that directly relates to the provision and management of Health and Nutrition services for young children and their families.
• Extensive knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards as well as health and nutrition services for infant, toddler and preschool programs.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administration, budgeting, purchasing systems management, and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing consistent, stable and supportive relationships with young children.
• Proven ability to exercise professional judgment and evaluation before making decisions.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and outside agencies.
• Proven successful problem solving and time management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English).