Health and Safety Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt

Calendar Days: 11 Mo

Workplace Location: On Site

Job Family: 103 Specialist I
Job Title: Health & Safety Specialist

Division / Department: Head Start/ Health, Nutrition, and Safety

Employee Name:

Supervisor: Kimberly Rhyne

Date Revised: 4/2/25

Job Summary: Assist in the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program that fulfills the tasks and responsibilities required to meet the health and safety requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other pertinent regulatory requirements. Support families by advocating and educating in health, safety, and nutrition, assisting families in locating medical and dental providers, and keeping children current on medical and dental needs in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Qualifications:

Education/Training:
Bachelor’s degree or required license Prefer master’s degree in related field
Registered Nurse

Experience:
At least 2 years of related experience.
Prefer five years of experience in a work-related field

Knowledge / Skills:
Ability to build, develop, and inspire teams Task execution (result-oriented)
Build and cultivate relationships Excellent communication Financial knowledge
Ability to plan and lead workshops and/or special projects Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills Ability to communicate clearly and effectively Knowledge of current laws, rules, and regulations
Ability to interpret and implement current policies and procedures Demonstrate proficiency in use of computers and standard applications Effective interpersonal skills
Strong organizational skills
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress Work with frequent interruptions; irregular hours Cooperate with staff members and outside customers Frequent regional travel; occasional statewide travel

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Program Planning/Organizational Skills:
1. Assist in the planning, implementing, and ensuring compliance of the Developmental
and Environmental Health Component of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Head Start Act.
2. Engage in ongoing assessment of quality of health services provided.
3. Review and analyze child data for creation of individualized health plans and timely determination of follow-up care and referral.
4. Maintain documentation in a timely manner.
5. Communicate timely and effectively to Head Start, school and center personnel, families, and other members of the Health component.
6. Work collaboratively with Head Start staff, school, and center personnel to promote and ensure safe environments.
7. Maintain Outlook calendar, time accounting, and vehicle reservations.

Consultative and Technical Assistance:
8. Assist in planning, facilitating, and negotiating with the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee and local health care professionals and service providers to ensure that services for families are available and accessible.
9. Assist in coordination of safety and sanitation procedures, first aid, and emergency medical procedures.
10. Participate in community events to gain knowledge of health and safety services available and to educate the community regarding the Head Start program.
11. Assist Head Start Health Staff in meeting 30/45/90-day health deadlines and assisting parents with treatment follow-up to promote school readiness and strengthen campus performance.
12. Complete Health and Safety Checks when visiting sites.
Specialized Knowledge:
13. Must maintain nursing valid Texas licensure (RN) and meet all licensure regulations.
14. Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Head Start Act.
15. Knowledge of low-income and at-risk families.
16. Knowledge of current health regulations, requirements, and current trends in healthcare delivery for children ages pre-birth to five and pregnant women.
17. Certified instructor in CPR/AED/First Aid.
18. Certified screener for Vision/Hearing/SPOT (Texas).
19. Approved screener for lead/hemoglobin testing

Leadership:
20. Assist in orientation, training, mentoring, or support of Head Start staff or teaching staff as assigned or needed.
21. Assist with computer software training as assigned or needed.
22. Plan and deliver services to schools in support of improvement of and compliance with accountability intervention requirements.

Personal and Professional Image:
23. Represent Region 7 ESC Head Start in a professional manner in all situations.
24. Utilize active listening skills in interactions with Head Start Staff, families, service providers, and partners.

Fiscal:
25. Provide input into budget related to health and safety needs of the program.
26. Assist in the appropriate expenditure of funds allocated for health and safety needs.

Other:
25. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
26. Maintain building security.
27. Assist with the safety and supervision of children.
28. Regular and reliable attendance.
29. Other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Funding

All Region 7 employees are at-will employees. Because your assignment is funded by grants, federal funding, and/or special funding, your continued employment is expressly conditioned on the availability of funding for the position. If funding becomes unavailable due to loss of state/federal funding or due to financial constraints of Region 7 ESC, your position is subject to immediate termination.