Health and Nutrition Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Health & Nutrition Specialist ensures that Child Health and Development Services, Child Health and Safety Performance Standards are met in Head Start/ Early Head Start.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide on-going support and technical assistance to staff and families in all areas of nutrition, health, and safety. Coordinate and/or provide education and training.
• Coordinate and provide health screenings to ensure that necessary referrals to appropriate outside agencies are made and follow-up services provided. Maintain required certifications related to the provision of health screenings.
• Assist Manager of Child Wellness in establishing and implementing policies and procedures which support children with medical and nutrition needs in the classroom environment, respond to medical and dental emergencies, address short-term exclusion and administration of medication, guarantee that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries and to comply with sanitation and hygiene requirements.
• Monitor all documentation related to supporting children with medical and nutrition needs in the classroom environment and the administration of medication.
• Develop health and nutrition education materials and educate parents, teachers, and children in person on a regular basis.
• Assist Manager of Child Wellness in consulting and establishing relationships with health and dental providers including securing representation on HSAC committee. Secure contracts with the providers and other appropriate community organizations to provide services to children and/or families.
• Coordinate dental services and ensure follow-up services are provided.
• Provide on-going health and nutrition training including medication administration, universal precautions and handwashing as needed; provide health and nutrition related training to teachers throughout the year and during preservice.
• Provide and/or coordinate training for staff related to the individual health needs of children in their care, such as serving children with food allergies, asthma, diabetes and seizure disorders.
• Review health and nutrition questionnaires within 90 days for all HS/EHS files and determine need for follow-up.
• Submit request for needed supplies to Manager of Child Wellness.
• Work with staff to ensure all health screenings are completed within 45/90 days of enrollment.
• Responsible for entering all required health screenings & events for assigned centers for compliance into Child Plus.
• Monitor accident and illness trends in centers and provide training as needed based on results.
• Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned center.
• Assist with summer screenings at assigned centers.
• Establish and maintain community partnerships to provide additional resources/services to staff and families.
• Work with Manager of Child Wellness and facilitate Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) meetings.
• Assist in health and nutrition initiatives within the agency.
• Support the implementation of the University Practicum Student program within the Head Start programs.
• Assist with Program Information Report (PIR) data at the close of each school year.
• Support ECS staff with maintaining CPR compliance as requested.
• All other duties as requested to maintain the success of ECS.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, or related field preferred with experience in public health, nursing, health administration and/or maternal or child health required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of maternal & child health as well as health & safety services available to families.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work with other employees and the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity in crisis and in normal situations.
• Commitment to strengthen families, but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
• Phlebotomy certification (or willingness to complete within 6 months)
• Complete 15 hours of in-service/professional development training hours each fiscal year (July-June)
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in classroom and office settings
• Local travel to multiple sites required
• Minimal evening work and out of town travel possible

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other office equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)