Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Head Start Health Department

POSITION: Nurse/Health Specialist

LOCATION: Various Sites

STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Health and Safety Manager

The Health Specialist exercises reasonable discretion and independent judgment for the purpose of planning, formulating, and carrying out goals, policies and activities designed to implement health and nutrition objectives as specified in the Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care regulations and guidelines and HSELP’s policies and procedures. Assists the Health and Safety Manager to ensure that the program remains compliant in all Health Requirements for participants and staff.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists Health and Safety Manager in providing Health Consultation to HS center-based sites, as defined by the Department of Early Education and Care: a minimum of once per year.?
2. Review all Individual Health Care and Medication Plans for accuracy.
3. Ensure Individual Health Care Plans and Medication Plans are implemented for each child in accordance with medical documentation from parent and health provider.?Train staff as necessary per individual plan.
4. Maintain up-to-date Go Engage (database) information and prepare required reports as needed.
5. Collaborate with Food Service Supervisor, Licensed Dietitian and food service staff to ensure proper diet modifications/adjustments are made and implemented for each child in accordance with medical documentation from parent and health provider.??
6. Consult with medical providers as needed; periodically reassess children who classify as high risk and develop appropriate follow-ups.
7. Develop and provide educational/ training opportunities for staff and families and work from an understanding of adult learning. Including annual medication training to staff and ongoing health related topics for families and staff.
8. Coordinate with HSELP Head Start at Home Program to conduct post-partum visits to participants.
9. Monitoring and support of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) follow-up.
10. Provide resources and support for children and families as needed.
11. Complete annual Health Care Agreements for all HS center-based sites.
12. Interface with local and state regulatory agencies on behalf of children and families enrolled in HSELP.
13. Provide information on current health related trends.
14. Assist in planning Health, Mental Health, Family Advisory Committee Meetings.
15. Participate in outreach and community engagement events as assigned ie: Mom’s Do Care, Perinatal Coalition committees.
16. Obtain and maintain CPR and Emergency Pediatric First Aid Certification according to EEC regulations.
17. Must possess knowledge of best practices for health and safety in early education and care settings.
18. Must be or become knowledgeable and remain current regarding Head Start Performance Standards, Department of Early Education and Care Regulations, and all other relevant program administrative requirements.
19. Must adhere to agency confidentiality policies and standard of conduct policies.
20. Must be able to travel to multiple sites in Franklin, Hampshire and Western Hampden Counties as assigned.
21. Remote work available complying with the agency’s policy.
22. Comply with agency and funders’ paperwork requirements and procedures.
23. Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings, team meetings, mandatory agency trainings, and participate in professional development activities.
24. Performs related work as required.

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies

• Organized and attention to detail
• Oral and written communication
• Interpersonal, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to the needs of families with lower incomes
• Able to work both collaboratively and independently
• Flexible and able to effectively adapt to diverse learning styles
• Bilingual abilities strongly preferred

Key knowledge and experiences

• Understanding of medical terminology
• Healthcare experience
• Data interpretation and documentation
• Early child health development
• Training adults on health-related topics
• Computer skills (Microsoft Suite, including SharePoint, Outlook/Calendar), databases, and electronic record keeping systems
• Be or become trained in the Brazelton Touchpoints approach

To Qualify:

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensed or Registered Nurse
• 2 years of experience in pediatric nursing, public health nursing, maternal child health nursing, or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demand and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard and climb stairs.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• The employee must have the ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles, as needed.
• The noise level of the office is generally quiet. The work environment is primarily an indoor office. The classroom environment noise level is lively. Daily exposure to outdoor weather.

AA/EOE/ADA

REQUIREMENT FOR VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS

The Office of Head Start uses the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) as part of its monitoring processes, via recording or through on-site visits. ?In preparation, self-assessments of HS & ELP classrooms involve live, virtual or recorded observations of teachers working with children.

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC) which includes Criminal Offender Record (CORI), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, a Sex Offender Registry (SORI), and -based national and state criminal history check. BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is to be completed every three years. In addition, employment is contingent on evidence of physical exam within the past year, plus verifications of MMRs and TB. Documentation of subsequent physical exams must be submitted every 2 years. Must have evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.