Health and Wellness Specialist for Early Head Start

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Health & Wellness Specialist holds leadership and compliance responsibilities for the program related to the physical health, oral health and overall wellness of the children, expectant mothers, and families enrolled in the EHS program. Research, planning, implementing a systems-approach, and mobilizing community resources all fall within the purview of this position. Promote health literacy programming and ensure that programming meets the intent of HHS and is responsive to data collected and community needs. Strives to be innovative and creative in programming.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position prefers a B.S./B.A. in a field related to the key component areas of this position which are health, family services, health promotion, and services to children. Experience in working with children and parents is strongly recommended. May hire qualified client with AA or extraordinarily well-matched experience.

PROGRAM SUPPORT COMPLIANCE AND REVIEW

• Utilize agency resources and technology to appropriately answer questions and provide guidance to staff and parents, e.g., ECKLC, webinars, CDC, NIH, Caring for our Children
• Assist and direct staff in coordination and completion of all health screenings, exams, and follow-up needed to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
• Facilitate, with staff, meeting the needs of all families, specifically those with special needs and with culturally diverse populations. Encourage family engagement.

INTEGRATE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND SERVICES

• Demonstrate proficiency in Child Plus Data tracking software; ensure relevant data (children’s and pregnant mothers’ health, oral health data) are accurately entered.
• Generate accurate reports as required (PIR, etc.)
• Provide leadership in the writing and implementation of medically related Accommodation and Plans and the Program Implementation Plans

LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Analyze data following aggregation. Use data to make informed decisions

• Conduct research – seek scientific-based, evidence-based information, and implement programming based on such data. Utilize data and analysis to plan strategically, to analyze impacts on efforts, to measure outcomes. Use data to determine trends and appropriate actions
• Develop and lead implementation of new, innovative programming to meet community needs and strength families.
• Work within communities to strengthen health and wellness programming, and to address the physical, medical, sociological and epidemiological factors impacting the communities
• Work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Support FMS/FSRs, educators, etc. appropriately; utilize reflective supervision in one’s work with family workers and others. Provide supervision, professional development, and evaluation experiences to FMS/FSRs, educators, and others.
• Train and provide presentations to large and small groups, well as individuals, utilizing adult learning theory and strategies. Should be a certified trainer in relevant topics such as Safe Sleep, CPR/First Aid, and child passenger restraints.

• Communicate (verbal and written) effectively and appropriately with others.
• Promote continuous improvement and quality assurance efforts for the agency at the regional level. Provide professional presentations to colleagues.

KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Sustain concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a complex work load and deadlines.
• Utilize excellent diagnostic and problem solving skills; possess excellent judgement.
• Culturally competent; flexible

Agency Requirements

• Meet and maintain agency requirements and follow agency policies and procedures. Must meet licensing standards for working with young children. Federal background check is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22