Early Head Start Health Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure the program adheres to all federal state and local health and safety regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.

• Oversee health screenings immunization records and well-child visits ensuring that all Early Head Start children receive necessary medical dental and developmental screenings.

• Regularly inspect program facilities and classrooms to verify health and safety compliance making recommendations and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Child Health Assessment & Monitoring

• Monitor each childs health status and maintain accurate health records working with staff and families to address health issues that impact attendance and well-being.

• Conduct or coordinate vision hearing dental and other screenings as needed ensuring follow-up and referrals to health services.

• Assist in the development of individualized health plans for children with special health care needs collaborating with health professionals and educators to meet each childs requirements.

Family Engagement & Education

• Serve as a health resource for families providing health education and information to support healthy practices at home and connecting families to relevant health resources.

• Organize workshops or informational sessions on topics such as nutrition oral health mental health and preventive care.

• Conduct home visits as necessary to support families in creating healthy environments and assist with accessing medical or dental services.

Nutrition Services Coordination

• Work with nutritionists and food service staff to ensure meals and snacks meet USDA guidelines and support childrens nutritional needs.

• Monitor menus food service practices and meal environments to ensure culturally sensitive healthy meals that meet the developmental needs of young children.

• Provide nutrition education to children and families encouraging healthy eating habits that promote wellness.

Staff Training and Development

• Train and support Early Head Start staff on health and safety topics including emergency response medication administration and hygiene practices.

• Conduct regular training sessions on identifying health issues infection control practices and effective communication with families about health concerns.

• Stay current with health best practices policies and Head Start health requirements to ensure program staff are informed of updates.

Collaboration with Community Health Resources

• Build partnerships with local healthcare providers public health agencies and community organizations to expand access to healthcare and health education for Early Head Start families.

• Coordinate with external health providers for specialized services and maintain a network of resources for referrals.

• Attend community health meetings workshops and professional development opportunities to enhance program services and stay informed of health resources and trends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in nursing Public Health Health Education or a related field is required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in health services preferably within an early childhood or Head Start environment.

• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers

• Hearing clearly

• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Program Director

Department: Early Childhood Education

Position Schedule: Year Round

Salary: Act 93 Grade 13

Benefits: Act 93 Benefits Guide

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter resume clearances PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to:

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin ancestry religion sex sexual orientation age handicap or limited English proficiency in its educational programs services facilities activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975 Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act the Americans with Disabilities Act or any other applicable federal or state statute.