Early Head Start Health Specialist

Opens:   5/01/2019                          
Closes:   Until filled      

WANTED: Early Head Start Health Specialist

  • Full time (8 hrs/day), fixed hrs, 12 mo/yr, $2672 per month with benefits
  • Work with families and staff to assist program participants with becoming and staying up to date with health.
  • Teaching CPR and First Aid courses to keep staff up to date.
  • Ability to be work flexible hours, as needed. Occasional evenings may be required.
  • Must be able to pass background check.

Click here to download our employment application, or you may pick up an application from the Secretary at Bear River Head Start.   Both an application and resume are required and may be:

  1. Hand delivered to Bear River Head Start, 95 West 100 South, Suite 200, Logan, Utah;
  2. Faxed to 435-755-0125; or
  3. Email to abarry@brheadstart.org.
Bear River Head Start is an Equal Employment Opportunity.

Click here to view Employee Requisition Form.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY FUNCTION:

Under the general supervision of the Health and Wellness Coordinator, direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs. The Head Start Health Specialist is responsible for the organization and administration of the health component including medical, dental, prenatal, and nutrition services and any other requirements under the health section of the Head Start Performance Standards. The Health Specialist will work closely with the Oral Health Specialist regarding oral health needs of the children and pregnant women.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to):

  • Determine the health status of each child and ensure that families have needed support and a source for ongoing health care.
  • Assist parents in understanding how to enroll and participate in a system of ongoing health care.
  • Oversee and maintain accurate medical, immunization, and health records on each enrolled child and pregnant woman.
  • Gather documentation of recent vision and hearing screenings for enrolled children, through health screenings or by performing the screening in the classroom or at the child’s home, within first 45 days of enrollment.
  • Arrange and coordinate follow-up on those children needing additional hearing and vision services within 90 days of enrollment.
  • Coordinate with Family Advocates and parents to obtain a comprehensive health screening of children within 90 days of program entry (or birth). Identify children in need of follow-up treatment according to information gathered from the physical exam. Coordinate with Family Advocate meetings to ensure that adequate medical and dental treatment is given to each child.
  • Arrange and coordinate a donated health exam within the first 90 days of enrollment for only those children
    who do not have a method of payment.
  • Devise health plans on those children with Chronic Illness within the program.
  • Help parents and pregnant women become aware of the significance of the prenatal period and the early years of the child’s development by providing opportunities for expectant parents to obtain education concerning pregnancy issues, including group activities that bring expectant parents together.
  • Provide parents and staff with information concerning available health resources and link them with an ongoing health care system and prenatal resources.
  • Provide and coordinate health and nutrition education to staff and parents. Maintain health and nutrition resource library and monitor its use and implementation in the program. This library may be included in
    the parent library if desired.
  • Help to provide parents with opportunity to learn the principles of medical emergency, first aid, and safety practices for use in the classroom and home through socializations
  • Parent consultation on health needs and concerns.
  • Document and assess immunization needs of enrolled children. Communicate to parents the needed immunization requirements for their child.
  • Oversee the documentation tracking with advocate in collecting and maintaining accurate medical, vision, hearing, immunization, and health records on each enrolled child in Child Plus.
  • Promote health services and healthy lifestyle practices, i.e., well child exams, blood counts, blood lead testing, immunizations, car seat/seatbelt safety, etc. for employees and Bear River Head Start families.
  • Train or provide training to staff and parents on emergency procedures, including CPR, First Aid training, universal precautions and emergency action plans.
  • Help with wellness program for parents and staff.
  • Attend professional trainings, when applicable.
  • Assist with development of Head Start health and nutrition work plans.
  • Locate and network resources for the purpose of obtaining health services for children, family and staff.
  • Follow Head Start Funding checklist procedures for payment of medical and dental treatment for those children with limited or no insurance coverage.
  • Help with the insurance needs of those not having insurance through Medicaid and Charity Care Programs.
  • Responsible for the acquisition of and maintenance of monthly health and safety drills. Oversee corrections and maintenance identified during checklist.
  • Responsible to track daily health and safety checklists.
  • Provide regular opportunities for reflection, feedback and evaluation.
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BS degree preferred in field related to child development, health, or social sciences, with strong knowledge base relating to the normal development of infants and toddlers as well as pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Must have additional training and experience in public health, nursing, health education, maternal and child health, or health administration.
  • Must be able to work collaboratively with community health care providers and agencies, including initiating and maintaining formal collaborative agreements.
  • Must be self-motivated and creative, and possess strong skills in interpersonal communication, with ability to work cooperatively with community professionals as well as team members.
  • Must have good organizational skills and the ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to new situations and work under stress in an ever-changing environment.
  • Has or can obtain Food Handler’s Permit.
  • Prefer Certified Instructor in Infant, Child, Adult CPR and First Aid and AED or ability to obtain.
  • Spanish speaking preferred but not required.
  • Must successfully pass both of the BRHS required background checks.