HEALTH SPECIALIST, R.N. Job Title: Health Specialist, R.N. Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Reports to: Coordinator of Health & Nutrition Service Area: Direct Services Component: Head Start/Early Head Start Location: Cleveland Street Date Revised: June 15, 2022 Primary Purpose:To provide comprehensive health services to Head Start children and families. To provide training and skills for Head Start families and link the families to an ongoing health care system. To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services.Qualifications: Education/Certification:Licensed Registered Nurse requiredBachelor’s degree required Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:Must possess a command of medical terminology and childhood disease processes relating to pre-and post-natal infancy and early childhoodMust possess knowledge of developmental stages, physical development, and nutrition requirements for infants and children zero-to-five years oldExperience working with pregnant women and children with special needs preferredDemonstrated ability to work independently, assume personal accountability and responsibility, and display an awareness of individual differences in order to develop skills in othersRequires a high degree of competence and an ability to see the big picture while maintaining individual attention to all viewpointsWorking Conditions: Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripheralsPosture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twistingMotion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extensionLifting: Must be physically able to tolerate light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory studentsEnvironment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noiseMental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasionRegular Attendance is an essential function Major Responsibilities and Duties: Coordinates with other Health Specialists and Nutrition Specialists to solicit members and maintain a functioning Health Services Advisory Committee in accordance with Head Start standards and local guidelines.Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.Communicates with community agencies, physicians, and staff to insure availability of and completion of services to pregnant women, infants/toddlers birth to five years of age, and their families, including those with special needs.Reports to the State of Texas the lead, vision and hearing screening results in coordination with HS/EHS health staff.Attends specialist appointments as necessary.Assists coordinator with responsibilities related to HS/EHS health program.Coordinates with Head Start staff in scheduling dental, medical, health screenings, and follow-up for Head Start children and others as needed.Prepares classroom medical plans of care, with the parent’s input, for children with special needs.Attends requested Early Childhood Intervention staffing for children with special needs birth to three. Prepares and coordinates classroom medical plans of care with parents, classroom staff, and other health staff for children with special needs. Assists Head Start health staff and supports health providers with completion of health screenings, physical examinations, and follow-up services for all Head Start children.Monitors the data management system to ensure that health services and sensory screenings are completed within the time frame set forth by the Head Start Standards and that children with abnormal results receive follow-up.Maintains a comprehensive health services program for Head Start children and their families.Monitors and delivers forms for health services.Supports and solicits community physicians, dentists, and other health care providers to ensure availability and completion of services to Head Start children.Assists in monitoring emergency medical care, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation measures for children.Plans and conducts parent and staff training in the areas of health, nutrition, medication administration, child development, safety, special health procedures, and other areas as needed according to the Head Start program.Attends trainings, conferences, etc., and disseminates information received to families and staff.Attends individual child staffings as needed.Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.Maintains licensure set forth by the requirements of the Texas State Board of Nursing.Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: None The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Evaluation of the performance of this job will be based on a combination of self-evaluation and the supervisor’s evaluation according to the procedures developed for all Education Service Center personnel. Employment in this position is contingent on performance, need, and funding.