Health Services Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Health Services Assistant supports the Health Services Manager and Health Specialists in promoting child wellness and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Kansas Licensing Regulations, and agency policies and procedures. Responsibilities include assisting with health screenings, maintaining immunization and health records, supporting health education efforts, coordinating follow-up care services, collecting and monitoring health data, and supporting collaborative relationships with families, staff, community agencies, and healthcare providers.

The Health Services Assistant works cooperatively with all Early Childhood Services components, including Education, Disabilities, Family Services, Mental Health, and Nutrition, to support the delivery of comprehensive services to children and families.

Regular travel throughout the agency's 12-county service area is required. Occasional out-of-area travel may be required for training and professional development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSHealth Records, Data Management, and Compliance

• Assist the Health Services Manager in maintaining accurate child health records and monitoring compliance with applicable Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
• Assist with data entry related to medical and dental homes, medical and dental follow-up, child health records, and other required program information.
• Evaluate immunization records for enrolled and applying children and ensure accurate data entry into agency systems.
• Monitor completion of required immunizations for enrolled children.
• Complete monthly health data tracking and reporting.
• Submit monthly reports, complete required data entry by assigned deadlines, and update records as needed.
• Ensure completion of quality assurance processes related to health services data collection, strategies, and individual plans.
• Complete quality assurance and monitoring reports related to Health Services, Licensing, and Head Start Performance Standards for center-based and home-based services.
• Assist with the annual Self-Assessment process.
• Remain knowledgeable regarding policies and procedures related to health services.

Health Screenings and Follow-Up Services

• Coordinate with staff and community partners to ensure required health screenings are completed timely, including hemoglobin and blood lead screenings.
• Conduct hearing and vision screenings for children in a variety of settings.
• Obtain and document children's heights and weights.
• Coordinate with staff and community partners to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up for failed screenings and identified health concerns.
• Coordinate with staff and community providers to ensure dental examinations and necessary follow-up treatment are completed in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist with transportation coordination for children requiring dental appointments when needed.
• Assist in determining whether each child has an ongoing source of continuous health care and collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to access care when needed.

Family, Staff, and Community Support

• Assist the Health Services Manager in providing appropriate community health information and referrals.
• Respond to requests from staff regarding child health needs and concerns.
• Assist in the development and distribution of written and web-based health, fitness, safety, nutrition, and preventive health education materials.
• Provide staff with information and support related to child immunization requirements.
• Participate in parent consultations regarding children's health care needs and family health concerns.
• Support quality parent engagement through parent meetings, parent engagement activities, drop-off and pick-up interactions, teachable moments, and other opportunities for family involvement.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with families, community agencies, healthcare providers, and program partners.
• Work cooperatively with community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services are available to meet family needs.
• Encourage family and community involvement and volunteer participation within the program.

Program Operations and Collaboration

• Promote excellence in daily program operations that support quality services for children and families and provide an environment where children and staff can thrive.
• Follow strategies and plans designed to meet or exceed State Licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Serve as a member of the Early Childhood Services Team and participate in scheduled meetings as needed.
• Support implementation of health services through positive relationships and collaboration.
• Assist with data collection for health-related grants, research projects, and special initiatives as assigned.
• Assist the Health Services Manager in implementing and maintaining staff CPR and First Aid training and certification requirements.
• Work with the Health Services Manager to coordinate meetings and conferences with teaching staff, parents, family advocates, contracted providers, and ancillary service personnel.
• Participate in orientation activities, center events, and family activities as assigned.
• Participate in center licensing activities as directed.
• Support education staff in implementing health curriculum activities in classrooms and on home visits.
• Participate in home visits as needed.
• Assist in Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms when needed.
• Attend Health Advisory Board meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Track data related to services provided to children with special needs and mental health concerns.
• Carry out goals, policies, and activities designed to implement health objectives and performance standards.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate good work habits, including punctuality and adherence to established schedules and break periods.
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support and Conscious Discipline strategies to promote social-emotional development and model appropriate practices to families.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act requirements, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations, Kansas Licensing Regulations, and SEK-CAP Early Childhood Services policies and procedures.
• Uphold and promote the mission, vision, and core values of SEK-CAP.
• Respect and support cultural diversity among children, families, coworkers, and communities.
• Demonstrate professionalism and maintain positive working relationships with children, families, coworkers, community partners, and volunteers.
• Attend required training, staff meetings, professional development activities, and in-service events.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and ensure proper care of equipment and assessment materials.
• Fulfill mandatory reporter responsibilities by reporting suspected abuse or neglect as required by law and agency policy.
• Advocate positively for SEK-CAP within the community.
• Maintain confidentiality of all participant, employee, and agency information.
• Support management decisions through professional actions and communication.
• Work flexible hours as necessary to support program operations and participant needs.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children, families, coworkers, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and utilize agency software and data management systems.
• Proficiency in electronic recordkeeping, data entry, email communication, and general office technology.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including copiers, scanners, telephones, and printers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, families, community partners, and customers.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Desired:

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Kansas Licensing Regulations.
• Knowledge of local medical, dental, and community resources available to children and families.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Associate Degree in Medical Records Administration, Health Information Management, or a related field; equivalent experience in medical records administration and Kansas immunization requirements may be considered.
• Two years of experience in data entry, medical records administration, detailed recordkeeping, or related administrative support functions.
• Excellent verbal, written, and computer communication skills.
• Working knowledge of local medical, dental, and community resources preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency insurance underwriting requirements.
• Ability to travel throughout the agency's service area.
• Successful completion of required criminal history background checks.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening.
• Successfully complete physical examination and TB screening in accordance with KDHE regulations, licensing requirements, and agency policy.

Required Following Hire

• Obtain and maintain CPR certification.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid certification.
• Obtain and maintain hearing screening certification.
• Obtain and maintain vision screening certification.

Preferred

• Experience in school health services, medical records, federally qualified health centers, dental organizations, public health, child development, nutrition, first aid, or safety programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Outside weather conditions.
• Extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Pay: $14.57 - $15.77 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $16