Health/Nutrition Specialist (Internal Job Posting)

DAEOC•Sikeston, MO

7d•$25 - $28

About The Position

The Health/Nutrition Specialist supports the Children’s Services Department by planning, administering, and overseeing health, dental, and nutrition services. The role ensures that services comply with federal Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Daycare Licensing, and USDA CACFP regulations. In collaboration with Department Leadership, the Specialist helps ensure health, wellness, and safety protocols are in place, including promotion, prevention, early identification, and intervention strategies. The Specialist reviews children’s health and nutrition information, supports timely medical and dental follow-up, helps maintain policies and procedures, and advises staff and families on health and nutrition concerns. The position also manages the USDA Food Program, contributes to staff and parent training, connects families with community resources, and collaborates with community professionals and agencies. The role supports quality initiatives, family engagement, confidentiality, program policies, and mandated reporting requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, social work, or a related field.
Current driver’s license valid in Missouri.
Access to a vehicle.
Certified trainer in CPR and First Aid, or ability to obtain certification after hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with children and families.

Responsibilities

Review and monitor children’s health records and screenings, including physician reports, parent-completed forms, vision and hearing screenings, dental forms, immunization records, growth assessments, and lead records; support timely medical follow-up.
Ensure individual Medical Action Plans requiring medication at school are reviewed by a health professional before a child attends the classroom without a parent or legal guardian, and provide staff training related to the child’s medical needs.
Assist in updating health-related policies, procedures, and forms.
Visit centers regularly to observe whether policies and procedures are followed and provide timely feedback to staff.
Support staff understanding and implementation of universal precautions, sanitizing, disinfection, and medication administration best practices, including side effects, documentation, and storage.
Monitor and analyze required health data and follow-up in ChildPlus, and advise programs of corrective action as needed.
Review child nutrition screening forms and growth assessments; advise staff and families about perceived nutritional concerns.
Ensure individual Special Diet Statements are reviewed by a health professional before a child attends the classroom without a parent or legal guardian, and provide staff training.
Review dental exam forms, plan Head Start Dental Days with community dental clinics, and support timely dental follow-up.
Assist in updating nutrition and oral-health policies, procedures, and forms.
Manage the USDA Food Program, including menu planning, requisitions, and production records.
Assist with professional development in health, nutrition, and safety by providing training or identifying trainers, classes, and other resources; maintain training records.
Support Family Advocates in connecting Head Start families with health-related community resources.
Support staff and parent understanding of short-term exclusion due to illness and other health-related best practices.
Stay current on health-field initiatives and developments.
Collaborate and network with community professionals, health departments, and school districts to advocate for children and families, stay informed about community needs and services, and contribute to the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee.
Provide education and oversight related to prevention, early identification of potential medical problems, and healthy lifestyles; participate in parent and staff meetings and prepare newsletter and flyer content to explain the relationship between health and readiness to learn.
Support staff in quality initiatives, healthy living for children and families, and data-informed quality decisions.
Participate in monthly leadership meetings.
Stay informed about changes in Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing, and early-childhood health and safety best practices, and advise programs as needed.
Encourage staff understanding of parental involvement in children’s health and mental health.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and use positive language; follow DAEOC/Head Start policies and procedures; maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Report observed or discovered child abuse as required by mandated reporter requirements and program and state guidelines.