EHS/PHS Health Assistant, Idaho

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Under the general supervision the Health & Wellness Coordinator, direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs. The Health Assistant carries out the objectives and philosophy of the health and nutrition component and works closely with staff by assisting The Health & Wellness Coordinator and Health Specialist in meeting federal health requirements for children enrolled in EHS/PHS. These responsibilities may change, as needed, to serve the EHS/PHS Children.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to):

• Work closely with Health Specialist to accomplish health requirements, provide education, early intervention and treatment to the child.
• Evaluate all health and sanitation and service meets regulations and requirements.
• Provide nutrition assessment including height and weights for children three times per year.
• Provide and coordinate follow-up for children and families at nutrition risk.
• Maintenance and tracking of records in Child Plus and other tracking systems.
• Coordinate parent nutrition counseling or referrals, when necessary (with a volunteer dietitian or a health department registered dietitian).
• Work with and utilize community resources for children, families and staff.
• Provide regular opportunities for reflection, feedback and evaluation. Create a system for ongoing program improvement of observations.
• Assist in classroom safety checks.
• Attend team meetings and staffings.
• Update first-aid and 72 hour kits, as needed.
• Work closely with Health Specialist to accomplish physical screenings.
• Assurance of necessary follow-up care.
• Assist with consultation and support to staff and parents.
• Assist in maintaining the Health Services Advisory Committee minutes and documentation of health services.
• Assist in training and provide training to staff and parents on emergency procedures, including CPR, First Aid, and emergency action plans.
• Travel as needed within the service area to meet the needs of families, including but not limited to home visits.
• Assist with both the EHS and PHS Head Start Center’s monthly fire drills, earthquake drills, and documentation for classrooms and socializations safety.
• Assist with performing the vision and hearing screenings in the classrooms or children’s homes (with-in 45 days of enrollment).
• Assist with the vision and hearing screening follow-up, as needed, with the first 90 days of services.
• Assist with promoting health services and car and seat-belt safety.
• Assist with documenting and assessing the immunization needs of Head Start children and then communicating those needs and requirements to parents.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to identify the nutritional needs of families and communities.
• Working knowledge of basic health assessment measures as they relate to nutrition
• Ability to facilitate nutrition education for parents, children, and staff.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the diversity of cultures within Head Start and ability to establish rapport with families served.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including confidentiality
• Ability to confidentially handle information of a sensitive nature.
• Working knowledge of computers.
• Basic clerical skills (i.e., filing, typing, organizational skills).
• Ability to work with various age groups and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Able to work full time with some evening work required.
• Spanish speaking preferred, but not required.
• Must successfully pass both of the BRHS required background checks.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BS Degree in Community Health, Health Education, Maternal and Child Health, Health Administration, Public Health, Nursing, Family and Consumer Sciences, other related field, or currently working on a degree in one of the health related fields, or at least three years’ experience with Head Start or Early Head Start.