Assistant Director, Early Childhood Health

Allegheny Intermediate Unit • Pittsburgh, PA

128d • $66,248 - $94,640

About The Position

The position involves comprehensive planning and oversight of health services aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards. Responsibilities include ensuring timely health screenings, collaborating with management to integrate health objectives, and overseeing culturally responsive prenatal health services. The role also encompasses staff supervision, training, family and community engagement, compliance, quality assurance, and health and safety oversight.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Health Administration, or a related field required (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of three years of progressive experience in public health, community health, or pediatric services.
• Experience working with low-income populations and knowledge of early childhood health preferred.
• Supervisory experience in a health or human services setting strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and child health best practices.
• Strong understanding of child development, public health systems, and early intervention services.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in health data systems (e.g., ChildPlus) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive health services plan aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Ensure timely completion of health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, lead, hemoglobin, developmental, dental) within regulatory timelines.
• Collaborate with the management team to integrate health objectives into the overall program service plan.
• Ensure all health, nutrition, mental health, and family partnership services provided to pregnant women meet or exceed Head Start regulations.
• Coordinate prenatal and postpartum care referrals, promote early and regular prenatal care, and provide support related to maternal health, fetal development, and postpartum recovery.
• Oversee the implementation of culturally responsive and family-centered prenatal health services, including support for breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and parent education.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive nutrition services plan that meets all federal, state, and local requirements.
• Ensure the integration of nutrition services into children's individualized health plans and developmental goals, including those with special dietary needs, allergies, or disabilities.
• Supervise health services staff, including Early Head Start Health Advisor, Head Start Health Specialists.
• Provide onboarding, professional development, and performance evaluations for health team members.
• Ensure health staff maintain up-to-date professional practices.
• Develop and deliver training to Early Head Start staff on topics related to prenatal care, perinatal mental health, high-risk pregnancies, and referral pathways.
• Support ongoing staff learning in collaboration with medical consultants, doulas, lactation counselors, and other prenatal care professionals.
• Provide or coordinate staff training on topics such as childhood nutrition, responsive feeding, food safety, allergen management, and supporting children with feeding challenges.
• Ensure that all staff involved in food preparation and service receive up-to-date training in hygiene and food handling, in compliance with local health regulations.
• Support families in navigating health systems and securing medical and dental homes.
• Develop family education materials and conduct workshops on topics such as nutrition, child safety, immunizations, and mental wellness.
• Establish partnerships with local health agencies, clinics, and providers to improve access to services.
• Partner with local OB/GYN providers, WIC programs, hospitals, and maternal health organizations to facilitate comprehensive service access and continuity of care for expectant families.
• Ensure pregnant women are supported in their transition to parenthood, including assistance in accessing services for their newborns and preparing for the transition to EHS infant services post-birth.
• Support nutrition education and promote healthy eating habits by collaborating with family services staff and providing families with accessible resources and tools.
• Coordinate with community nutrition programs, such as WIC, to enhance family access to nutritional support.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations and Head Start standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the child and family health tracking system (e.g., ChildPlus or similar database).
• Analyze health service data for continuous improvement and prepare required reports for stakeholders and funding agencies.
• Monitor the delivery of services through regular review of health records, staff reports, and direct supervision to ensure timely prenatal assessments, follow-ups, and engagement with medical providers.
• Track outcomes and ensure documentation of individualized services for pregnant women using the ChildPLUS data management system.
• Conduct periodic file audits and provide coaching or corrective action plans as needed to address compliance gaps.
• Monitor meal service and classroom practices to ensure safe food handling, appropriate portion sizes, and family-style dining practices that promote healthy habits.
• Conduct regular audits of nutrition records, meal counts, food production logs, and dietary accommodations to ensure regulatory compliance and service quality.
• Ensure timely identification, documentation, and accommodation of special nutrition needs, including obtaining medical documentation as required.
• Oversee the implementation of safety procedures including emergency plans, medication administration, hygiene, sanitation, and injury prevention.
• Monitor classroom environments for health and safety risks and ensure follow-up on identified concerns.
• Collaborate with facilities and education teams to support a healthy learning environment.

Benefits

• Act 93 salary range starting between $66,248 to $94,640.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Health insurance and retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree