Health Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Health & Nutrition Manager, the Health Specialist ensures 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, including dental exams, physical examinations, screenings, and immunizations; monitors the implementation of state and federal health and safety requirements described in the Head Start Program Performance Standards; provide students, parents, and staff education in health and safety practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Works directly with the Health & Nutrition Manager to monitor and track all of the Head Start and Early Head Start child health and safety requirements.

· Ensures compliance with local, state and federal requirements relating to health, safety, and nutrition as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

· Monitors, tracks and follow-up on Health Data to ensure Early Head Start and Head Start children are 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 South Carolina.

· Works directly with the Health & Nutrition Manager to review the medical history of every child applicant to assess needs and plan appropriate services.

· Works in partnership with the Family Services component that each family identifies a medical and dental home during their enrollment in the program.

· Works in partnership with the Family Services component that each child’s file includes documented medical and dental history and signed parental consent forms.

· Works in partnership with the Family Services component to ensure record are monitored and recorded regarding health screenings on each child.

· Works directly with the Health & Nutrition Manager to maintains vital statistics, up to date records, and reports data regarding health services to children.

· Works directly with the Health & Nutrition Manager to maintains health supply inventory while also helping to plans and organizes first aid training, medication administration, epi pen training and CPR certification staff.

· Works directly with the Health & Nutrition Manager regarding the administration of any prescribed medication given at school.

· Monitors health practices in the classroom (i.e. tooth brushing, hand washing, etc.).

· Provides training on health, safety and nutrition topics for staff and parents.

· Attends and participates in a variety of meetings, conferences and in-service trainings to maintain current knowledge of laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities; serve on assigned committees and advisory boards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) with at least two years of experience preferred. Medical Assistant background and experience, a plus.
• Excellent communication and computer skills and proficient using Microsoft Office software
• Must acquire and maintain American Red Cross Instructor Certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid/ AED Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
• Skill in the use of computer technology, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint presentations.
• Ability to compile and analyze data and make effective recommendations and decisions

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior Health Services experience
• Excellent oral, written and computer communication skills.
• Working knowledge of local community resources related to medical and dental services.
• Preferred: Knowledgeable in the SC Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic & Treatment Schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. Bi-lingual communication abilities preferred.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, technology equipment, computers, and/or controls.

WORK PLACE EXPECTATIONS:

Work effectively with and respond to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean and professional manner for the assignment and work setting.

Have regular and punctual attendance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $22.30 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22