Health Specialist, R.N., B.S.N.

Job Title: Health Specialist, R.N., B.S.N.

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Coordinator of Health and Nutrition

Service Area: Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Component: Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Location: Cleveland

Date Revised: 11/5/24

Primary Purpose:

To provide comprehensive health services to Head Start children and families. To provide training and skills for Head Start families and link the families to an ongoing health care system. To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Licensed Registered Nurse required
• Bachelor's degree required

Skills

• Must possess a command of medical terminology and childhood disease processes relating to pre-and post-natal infancy and early childhood
• Must possess knowledge of developmental stages, physical development, and nutrition requirements for infants and children zero-to-five years old
• Experience working with pregnant women and children with special needs preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, assume personal accountability and responsibility, and display an awareness of individual differences in order to develop skills in others
• Requires a high degree of competence and an ability to see the big picture while maintaining individual attention to all viewpoints

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard medical clinic equipment including automated external defibrillator (AED); special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); may require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assists Head Start health staff and supports health providers with completion of health screenings, physical examinations, and follow-up services for all Head Start children
• Monitors the data management system to ensure that health services and sensory screenings are completed within the time frame set forth by the Head Start Standards and that children with abnormal results receive follow-up
• Maintains a comprehensive health services program for Head Start children and their families
• Monitors and delivers forms for health services
• Plans and coordinates annual Head Start Dental Clinics in partnership with all Head Start collaborators.
• Supports enrolled Head Start children in establishing a dental home to ensure access to dental care.
• Collaborates with parents, family service staff, school or center staff, and caregivers to ensure that enrolled children receive necessary dental treatment throughout their time in the program.
• Implements a needs-based prioritization system for financial assistance with dental services, ensuring Head Start serves as the payer of last resort
• Supports and solicits community physicians, dentists, and other health care providers to ensure availability and completion of services to Head Start children
• Assists in monitoring emergency medical care, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation measures for children
• Plans and conducts parent and staff training in the areas of health, nutrition, medication administration, child development, safety, special health procedures, and other areas as needed according to the Head Start program
• Attends trainings, conferences, etc, and disseminates information received to families and staff
• Attends individual child staffings as needed
• Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services
• Maintains licensure set forth by the requirements of the Texas State Board of Nursing
• Coordinates with other Health Specialists and Nutrition Specialists to solicit members and maintain a functioning Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee in accordance with Head Start standards and local guidelines
• Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being
• Assists in providing CPR training for all Head Start staff, ensuring adherence to American Heart Association instructor guidelines.
• Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children's learning and development
• Communicates with community agencies, physicians, and staff to insure availability of and completion of services to pregnant women, infants/toddlers birth to five years of age, and their families, including those with special needs
• Attends specialist appointments as necessary
• Assists coordinator with responsibilities related to HS/EHS health program
• Coordinates with Head Start staff in scheduling dental, medical, health screenings, and follow-up for Head Start children and others as needed
• Develops medical care plans for children with special health needs in the classroom, incorporating input from parents as needed
• Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly
• Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
• Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region
• Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
• Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
• Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
• Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
• Performs other duties as assigned