Health Specialist

Overview

What you need to know: - Pay range $19-$23 - 12 week assignment - Requires a TB test, Health Screen, and Livescan - Based out of Chatsworth, CA but will require driving to San Fernando Valley, Palmdale, Chatsworth office and also work from home General Summary: Under general supervision, the Health Specialist II will efficiently maintain functions of the Health Service Area, which include monitoring, and record keeping of children’ health information, provide training and technical assistance to staff, provide health education at different program levels, among others. This position is fast-paced and requires the ability to multi-task with high organizational skills along with the ability to be flexible to change. Reflective and/or motivational communication skills are desired to increase effectiveness of communication with staff, families and community partners. Within a team environment, the Health Specialist II will perform the following responsibilities: MONITORING & RECORD KEEPING 40% • Monitor program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards regulations as they apply to health services. • Monitor children’s medical status and health requirements utilizing the ChildPlus data tracking system. • Review ChildPlus reports to ensure complete and accurate health documentation and follow up of any health concerns identified and compliance using established policies and procedures. • Track, analyze, and report Health Requirements and other health information including, but not limited to Physical Exams, Dental Exams, Care Plans, Ouch Reports, Exposure Notices, and Hazard Mapping. • Track and monitor health referrals including the implementation of follow-up plans to meet children’s needs appropriately. • Monitor the ongoing health status and needs of enrolled children by ensuring the completion of health processes such as Daily Health Checks, Ouch Reports, Medication Administration, and Exposure Notices. • Maintain a system of confidentiality for data, records, and information of Head Start families at all times. CASE MANAGEMENT & Training & Technical Assistance 30% • Provide support to home educators, family advocates, and other program staff regarding meeting the health needs of children and families. • Provide consultation and support to staff and parents regarding issues related to health. • Assess individual needs, consult, and recommend resources and referrals appropriately. • Provide support to all Head Start Birth to Five staff to facilitate health requirements and provide resource access to program families. HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING 10% • Assist in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of health curriculums, parent and staff trainings, and service area events. • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate health events such as the service area’s Biannual Health Services Advisory Committee meeting. • Provide staff with appropriate training on all local, state, and federal program regulations as well as service area policies and procedures. • Plan, organize, oversee, and implement health education trainings to increase parents and staffs’ knowledge on health and overall well-being. • Collaborate with parents to promote children’s health and well-being by providing health education support services and materials that are understandable and appropriate to individuals. OUTREACH 10% • Collaborate with other agencies providing health and nutrition services within the community. • Build community partnerships, negotiate and develop written agreements and/or contracts with health related service providers to facilitate access to additional resources and services as needed for program families with approval from the Health & Nutrition Manager. • Develop and maintain communication with various community partners, professional, and governmental organizations that provide services to community and program participants to promote positive health outcomes. HEALTH & SAFETY 10% • Conduct site visits to monitor health processes and provide exposure to and training of such concepts in the classroom environment for staff. • Track, monitor and ensure centers are well stocked with First Aid Kits, Emergency Kits, and Safety Inventory, including health supplies for the classrooms (toothbrushes, medication backpacks, etc.). • Maintain updated multi-media health information resources, including inventory, restocking and database management of materials. NON ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES These duties include tasks that are required and comprise less than 5% of daily functions for this job: • Conduct Health and Safety-Walks at Head Start/Early Head Start sites. • Participate in off-site health fairs. • Supervise volunteers and/or interns in Health and Nutrition. • Participate in the program’s annual self-evaluation and federal monitoring. • Advocate for children and families throughout the service area. • Represent the service area during internal and external meetings. • Perform other duties, as assigned. JOB SPECIFICATIONS Minimum Required • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health related field such as community health, health education, maternal and child health, child nutrition and/or health administration • Experience: One to three years of experience in public health related field and/or preschool related program. • Professional/Technical Certifications: CPR, First Aid Certification OR have the ability to be trained for and qualify for CPR and First Aid certifications. Must successfully obtain both certifications within 90 days after hire. • Technical Requirements - List specifics: o Basic proficiency using Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom. Experience with databases helpful. • Bilingual Required: Ability to converse, write and/or translate in English and Spanish • Behavioral: o Effective communication, proven ability to work collaboratively with adults and children, able to demonstrate a supportive attitude to families. o Cooperative work, effective organization and customer service skills; collaborative team work, accurate work product, strong problem solving skills, effective critical thinking, ability to make independent decisions/judgement, work comfortably in at risk environments. • Travel: This position requires 25% of travel. Will travel to various Head Start location including Palmdale and Lancaster, CCRC events and conferences throughout the state. Some overnight travel may be required. May use CCRC company vehicles, when available or personal vehicle and will be subject to Driver Management Policy requirements (i.e., valid California Driver’s License, automobile insurance and a clean driving record required). • Work Schedule: Full time, 40 hours per week, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. May require working a non-traditional work schedule including early mornings, late evenings and weekends. • Work environment: This is a hybrid work environment and will consist of working remotely and/or at a Head Start center. Fast-paced work environment. • Background & Health Clearance Requirements: Head Start / CCP o Criminal Records (e.g. Live Scan Fingerprinting), Child Abuse Index Check, Sexual Offender Registry, Health and Tuberculosis (TB) test clearances required. Preferred All minimum requirements above met, plus: • Education: Master’s degree in Public Health related field such as community health, health education maternal and child health, child nutrition and/or health administration. • Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in public health related field and/or preschool related program. • Professional/Technical Certifications: Currently possesses certifications or has the ability to obtain or qualify for job related certifications including, but not limited to Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). • Technical Requirements – In addition to above (list specifics): o Intermediate proficiency level using Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. o Intermediate experience performing data entry and using related technology platforms such as ChildPlus.

Qualifications

• Valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS)
• High School/GED
• Are you able to converse, write and/or translate in English and Spanish?

Company

Our client is a unique and distinctive leader in the child care industry. They offer support and education to both parents and early childhood educators. They help parents to navigate the child care system and find the best possible care for their child. They also provide training, technical assistance and professional development to early childhood educators, to assist them in creating quality learning environments for children of all backgrounds and abilities.