Health Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Health Specialist is responsible for support and implementation of comprehensive health, dental, and environmental safety for children and their families enrolled in the Early Childhood Education programs at Starfish Family Services.  The Health Specialist will demonstrate a commitment to early childhood education best practices, a clear understanding of Head Start performance Standards, and the ability to lead innovation.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 
•    Associates degree in nursing required  
•    Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred  
•    LPN Required RN preferred
•    Current LPN or RN State of Michigan Professional license in good standing required.   
•    A minimum of three years’ experience which involves:   
o    Considerable knowledge of basic nursing practices, methods, and techniques such as medication administration training, vision/hearing/dental, hemoglobin/lead screenings and health assessments; and   
o    Some knowledge of health problems of moderate/significant disabled and behavior disorders in children  
o    Knowledge of Private, Medicare and Medicaid, Private and insurance procedures required  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Manage children’s health and nutrition records – screenings, immunizations, medical home, dental home, behavioral health needs, and daily nutritional needs of children.   
•    Supports and coordinates all health screenings while assisting in the identification of high-risk children and the provision of a healthy, safe environment for children and staff.  
•    Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist to ensure families are referred to appropriate community partners  
•    Collaborate with Starfish staff to ensure service integration in support of healthy families Blueprint outcomes for children and families  
•    Develops and conducts professional development and training for early childhood education staff. 
•    Works with Training Manager to coordinate/provide training of CPR/First Aid, Universal Precautions, medication and safe sleep training for all early childhood education staff and volunteers as needed.
Coordinates and leads the Health Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMSAC); ensures that the Committee membership is composed of all required professions and parent representation and meets a minimum of twice a year 
•    Supports, coordinates, and directs medical and dental programs as approved by Health Services Advisory Committee.  
•    Ensures all enrolled children are up to date on a schedule of age-appropriate preventative and primary health care upon child’s entry into the program.  Provides information and education to parents regarding health referrals and resources as needed, which may include home visits or presentations.  
•    Conducts appropriate observations and screening procedures, in conjunction with identified health provider partners, for the purposes of identifying health deficiencies.  
•    Supports early childhood education staff with cases involving child abuse and other specialized medical needs, including referrals and resources for ensuring continuity of care.  
•    Develop strategies to utilize technology to streamline operations  
•    Performs other duties and responsibilities as needed to support the health and wellness of children, families, staff, and the program

LICENSING AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 
•    Valid driver’s license car insurance and reliable transportation. 

Starfish Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/M/F/D/V