Health and Nutrition Specialist

Child-Parent Centers, Inc. • Tucson, AZ

5d • $1,528 - $1,528 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Health and Nutrition Services Department (HNS), the Health and Nutrition Services Specialist (HNSS) provide services and support to three to five centers representing a caseload of 250 – 300 children and families and may include CPC partner agencies/providers. Responsible for administering sensory and other required health screenings, assessing children’s health status, reviewing and monitoring required immunization completion, maintaining medical records, data entry, tracking and follow up on medical services for children, supporting efforts to establish health insurance, medical and dental homes for families and assisting staff and parents in understanding the referral process. Monitors health, safety and nutrition practices at assigned centers and makes appropriate recommendations to site supervisor and the cross-department team. Advocates for all children and families within the program using the Head Start principles as a basis. Coordinates activities with other departments. HNS Specialists spend time at centers meeting with parents and staff in support of HNS functions and requirements. The position requires strong communication skills, confidentiality, accuracy, organization, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive compliance requirements.

Requirements

• HS diploma or GED
• Minimum three years documented work experience which includes sensory screenings, general health, dental, and nutrition related matters with children
• Read, write, and speak English
• Submit a valid State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to the first day of work

Nice To Haves

• Certified Medical Assistant credential, Community Health Advisor Certification, or equivalent certification
• Associate degree from a recognized educational institute with a major in Health, ECE, Social Services, Nutrition or agreed equivalent that supports high quality implementation of our program as determined by the agency.
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institute with a major in Health, Nutrition Science or agreed equivalent that supports high quality implementation of our program as determined by the agency.
• Read, write, and speak Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Maintain electronic databases and hard copy records related to health and dental services for up to 300 Early Head Start and Head Start children.
• Provided content area expertise and support health and dental related services to cross department team.
• Work to eliminate barriers to health services.
• Advocate for effective healthcare services.
• Review immunization records provided by parent/guardian and/or the Arizona State Immunization Records system [ASIIS] to maintain required completion status.
• Review health-related enrollment documents and data to assess a child’s status relative to EPSDT schedule requirements.
• Create a Health Action Plan with teaching staff and parents to complete OHS health requirements.
• Partner with center/HB staff to support children with health concerns or delays in completion of requirements.
• Use digital technology and database systems to monitor progress and communicate with Center staff.
• Review and assist in development of policies, procedures, and written compliance plans for Health and Nutrition Services to ensure effectiveness in meeting the needs of Head Start families based upon performance standards and current trends.
• Perform sensory (vision, hearing) and growth assessment (height and weight) screenings for children.
• As needed, schedule home visit appointments to perform sensory screenings for children that cannot complete screenings at Head Start centers.
• Mentor and empower parents in understanding the proper procedures for making, keeping, canceling, and rescheduling medical and dental appointments.
• Contact parents, medical providers, offices, or clinics as necessary.
• Initiate and participate in the discussion of follow-up needs of children with center team members and CSU support team as necessary.
• Initiate referral follow-up letters and phone calls to community agencies, inform parents and teachers; continue follow-up activities to ensure completion of referrals.
• In collaboration with cross department team, arrange and/or provide transportation for Head Start parents and children in a company vehicle whenever necessary for medical, dental, and nutritional counseling appointments.
• Monitor the health and safety practices at assigned centers and provide support to ensure that agency, BCCL, and county health standards are met.
• Meet with supervisors, directors, and other department specialists on a regular basis to review concerns, discuss progress, special projects, and emerging resource needs.
• Identify self-growth, development goals, and strategies for achievement with support and input from supervisor.
• Commit and participate in consistent and planned meetings with supervisors to further professional growth by seeking feedback, reflecting on and assessing own practice, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintain electronic database records for each child that includes medical and dental service records, nutrition assessment, immunization records, screening results, and referrals.
• Input health data using the Child-Plus.net software program.
• Create accurate and up-to-date computerized reports for each Head Start class and home base unit.
• Report safety, health, and parent issues related to health/nutrition to supervisor, HNS Director, and other staff as appropriate.
• Complete and send a health summary to each parent at the end of every school year.
• Participate in preparation of annual state hearing, vision, and immunization reports.
• Participate in the HNS team and contribute to the decision-making process for strategic initiatives, professional development, budget, governance, and agency self-assessment.
• Implement and monitor key management decisions in the areas of health and nutrition services
• Participate in the Comprehensive Services Unit team and contribute to the CS Unit Cross-Department Collaboration team in support of integrated policies, procedures and services.
• Maintain expertise including best practices, local, state, and federal initiatives through active membership in professional organizations and establishment of good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Link current research, resources, and program data to practice by discussing program quality issues and ways to advance practice.
• Identify and report health services related challenges to supervisors; initiate plans for additional support, including cross-departmental teams as appropriate.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of program policies and procedures.
• Participate in the Health and Nutrition Services Advisory Committee and other networking activities as assigned.
• Contribute to HNS Department and Comprehensive Services Unit for meetings and activities.
• Establish, support, and maintain safe and sanitary practices among center personnel and teaching staff and children.
• Collaborate with site supervisors and conference with Program Service Coordinators relating to center staff’s health and nutrition responsibilities to ensure compliance and to identify areas needing change/improvement.
• Present health/nutrition education and dental care workshops to parent groups when required.
• Provide training and coaching to site supervisors and teaching staff in the areas of health, dental, nutrition, safety, and hygiene based upon Head Start performance standards, policies, and procedures to ensure effective management of health services.
• Assist in the development of training agendas.
• Co-facilitate training for pre-service and in-service training.
• Participate in cook’s training.
• Understand and model the agency's vision, mission, and philosophy within the agency and the community.
• Demonstrate approachability, ownership, accountability, and life-long learning.
• Use the agency's communication and problem-solving approach.
• Seek the perspective of others.
• Identify emerging issues and contribute new knowledge.
• Work to de-escalate when emotions and stakes are high.
• Maintain professional behavior and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Use agency systems and technologies to accomplish work.
• Maintain a high level of attendance to support ongoing service delivery.
• Recognize children's safety as the first responsibility of all staff and act swiftly to ensure no child is unsupervised.
• Implement agency policies and procedures for safeguarding confidential or sensitive information about employees and/or program participants.
• Restrict access to paper or electronic documents to those with a need to know.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid Leave - 26 paid holidays, 5 days paid vacation after one year and up to 20 days each year thereafter, and 8 days paid Personal leave first year, 9 days each year thereafter, up to 40 hours days paid Sick leave each year
• Insurance benefits - dental, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Health Savings Accounts, PPO medical (3 plans), Vision, and Supplemental Life coverage for self, spouse, and child ($25,000 basic life and Accidental death and disability provided by employer)
• Retirement Plan - Agency contribution after years of services and hours of eligibility criteria are met.
• Employee 401k deferral once eligibility is met.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED