Health Assistant

Greater Bergen Community Action • Bergenfield, NJ

1d

About The Position

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start program is a rewarding place for healthcare professionals to grow their careers while making a difference. Our goal is not only to get children ready for kindergarten but to prepare the entire family for life beyond the program. Our extensive services and resources range from early childhood education to health, nutrition, parent education, family counseling, financial counseling, and so much more!

At GBCA’s Head Start, nurses and their supervisors play a vital role in supporting the health and development of children aged 0 to 5. Our health staff is dedicated to monitoring children's well-being, managing medical records, and providing essential health education to families, children, and staff.

This collaborative environment fosters professional growth, allowing nurses to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact in the community. With a focus on teamwork and a shared commitment to children's health, we are changing lives!

If you have the nursing background required and the ability to work with a group of health professionals who focus on teamwork and share a commitment to children’s health, please consider applying for our full-time, year-round Health Assistant position.

Requirements

• Ability to work with children, parents, and teaching staff. Ability to work with children, parents, and teaching staff.
• Experience in public, community health, and/or school nursing.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written
• Demonstrates good computer skills relevant to the position.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual a plus.
• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start/Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action
• Understand how children develop and learn in a variety of school, family, and community contexts and provide opportunities that support their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Assist the supervisor with the provision of health education training.
• Assist with the implementation of monthly drills.
• Collaborate with community partners to provide the highest quality services to our children and families.
• Maintains up-to-date, accurate tracking records of the Health Section of all children’s files.
• Responsible for reviewing infant, toddler, and child immunization records and medical history prior to the child’s entrance into the Head Start and Early Head Start program.
• Participates in initial intake and obtains children's medical histories at assigned sites.
• Coordinates with Food & Nutrition to implement all food and allergy protocols effectively.
• Assist with the timely distribution of all medical emergency documentation.
• Updates classroom health bulletin boards and emergency procedures.
• Distributes first aid equipment and hygiene supplies to teachers and checks periodically for refills.
• Participates in back-to-school events and health fairs, which are scheduled during the day, evening, or weekend.
• Participates in class trips or any other event that may take the teacher and/or students out of the typical classroom environment.
• Performs health screenings within the first 45 days of the program.
• Participate in team meetings and case conferences as per schedule. Participates in parent consultations when necessary.
• Track forms for medical, dental, hearing, vision, and immunizations monthly and report to a supervisor.
• Under the supervisor's direction, participates in local/state Health Department e immunization audits.
• Administer and monitor medications, complete monthly medication logs, and forward reports to the supervisor.
• Attend administrative and staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Responsible for each child's overall safety in the GBCA HS/EHS program.

Benefits

• Medical Plans: Medical via ICHRA model, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical, Dependent Care, and Commuter Plans
• Agency-paid life insurance – 1 time your annual compensation
• Paid Time off Includes Vacation (8.75 hrs. per month), sick time (7 hrs. per month), and agency holidays
• Agency Wellness initiatives.
• Supportive, collegial environment where we teach kids and reach families daily.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees