SUMMARY

The Health & Disabilities Coordinator is responsible for the planning, organization and management of the Health, Mental Health, Nutrition and Disabilities service areas of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. Service areas must be managed in a manner that reflects the Head Start goals and objectives as defined by the Federal Performance Standards and program plans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop program plans in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards to outline all available service provisions for health, disability, nutrition and mental health services.
• Facilitate and attend annual Health Advisory Committee meetings.
• Study policies, methods and procedures and make recommendations for modification as necessary for the proper functioning of the program.
• Develop policies and procedures for health, dental, mental health and nutrition issues as they arise.
• Update the Head Start/Early Head Start plan annually in conjunction with the Policy Council, parents and other staff.
• Conduct and oversee required health and developmental screenings in compliance with EPSDT Periodicity chart. Screenings include: Well child exams, dental exams, immunization administration, Optoacoustic emissions, Sure Site vision screening, Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment, ESI-R, ESI-K, ESI-P, ASQ-3 articulation, and height and weight measurements. Refer children who are determined to need follow-up care.
• Identify children with disabilities. Refer all such children and families to appropriate agencies for intervention. Monitor progress of such referrals.
• Attend IEP/IFSP meetings with appropriate Head Start/Early Head Start staff and agencies, including TBA/ISD, Early On and LEA personnel.
• Oversee all aspects of the Child and Adult Care Food Program including menu planning, meal count, submission of reimbursement claims, determination of eligibility, completion of all record keeping requirements and submission of annual application to Michigan Department of Education.
• Establish working relationships with local health providers and secure qualified persons to serve as contractual consultants to the GTB Head Start Program in the areas of nutrition, mental health and health.
• Plan, conduct or arrange for training of staff and parents concerning health education, first aid, and/or emergency procedures for medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition issues.
• Assist the family in their efforts to improve the condition and quality of life by identifying a medical home (comprehensive health care services) which will provide each family with access to comprehensive ongoing health care, and assist families in assuming responsibility for health care of their child/children.
• Attend management meetings with teaching staff.
• Attend staff, Management and Department staff meetings as required.
• Maintain up-to-date files as well as a record of all services rendered.
• Maintain a data base file for each family, which will contain all information in compliance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards.
• Participate in the development, implementation and analysis of the Community Assessment.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and protect the confidentiality of reports/files by an approved method.

• Substitute for the cook in times of absence and substitute in the classrooms as needed.
• Facilitate and conduct emergency drills.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess good organizational skills in order to maintain and manage family and child files.
• Must have general supervisory skills.
• General proficiency in computers, including Microsoft Office products and database applications, email and Internet.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact and respect.
• Able to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• General knowledge of leadership and management skills and techniques.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives to atypical situations and decide on a plan of action.
• Must be able to work well with minimal supervision.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree with strong emphasis in Health, Social Services, Psychology or Early Childhood Education.
• 1-3 years experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules and procedures of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Must maintain current CPR/First Aid Certification

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises the Benodjenh Center Cook and the ITC Healthy Start Nurse.
• Serve as the Benodjenh Center supervisor on occasion, in the absence of the Benodjenh Center Supervisor.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Computer, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, calculator, stove w/oven, vacuum, laminator, washer/dryer, scale, thermoscan, audiometer, tympanometer, otoaccoustic emission screener and vision screener.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly requires sitting and/or standing for sustained periods of time.
• Occasional work with child sized furnishings and equipment is required.
• Occasional kneeling, bending and sitting on floor.
• Frequent lifting of children 0-5 years of age (up to 40 lbs).
• Occasional travel throughout the six-county service area as required.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Mathematical skills as required to perform basic budget, CACFP reporting and household income calculations. Ability to communicate with parents and children on an appropriate level. See other skills and abilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Majority of time will be spent in an office setting working four 10 hour days. Requires occasional evening and/or weekend work. Required to assist in the Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms as needed. Universal precautions will be taken at all times. Position will encounter varied situations and conditions. Job requires occasional driving throughout the six county service area.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Must pass a background investigation and drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.