Health Specialist, Head Start

South Middlesex Opportunity Council • Framingham, MA

106d • $22 - $23 • Remote

About The Position

The Health Specialist is responsible for providing health monitoring services to children in the Head Start and Child Care programs. This role requires knowledge of program philosophy, regulations, and performance standards applicable to health and family services. The Health Specialist supports and promotes School Readiness for children, families, and communities.

Requirements

• Related Certification or higher.
• Relevant experience preferred.
• Computer skills preferred.
• Bilingual-Spanish and/or Portuguese required.
• Preference in hiring given to past or current Head Start parents.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Family Services Manager, Nurse, Nutritionist, Family Advocates, and Home Visitor on health-related matters.
• Meet regularly with Family Services Manager, Nurse, and Nutritionist to monitor progress and identify issues or concerns with children/families.
• Review all physicals and intakes of children and obtain missing health information for program participation.
• Document all efforts on contact sheets.
• Inform Nurse or Nutritionist of children requiring Asthma or Allergy plans and assist in obtaining them.
• Maintain COPA health tracking systems.
• Document all health-related information and file newly entered medical information in children's original files.
• Assist Nutritionist in height and weight measurements of children twice a year.
• Conduct required audio and visual screenings of children within the first 45 days of entry into the Head Start program.
• Coordinate with Nurse regarding referrals and follow-ups for children failing screenings or needing dental follow-up.
• Complete 'head checks' of children following extended school breaks and document in records.
• Complete Safety Checklist in assigned classrooms and return to Area Director.
• Provide phone coverage with Family Advocates on a rotating basis.
• Assist with intakes for new families during summer months.
• Provide accurate and timely reports and record keeping.
• Maintain good work habits, including attendance and punctuality.
• Attend required training, staff meetings, and committee meetings.
• Be aware of community agencies and resources for families.
• Attend workshops or trainings and apply training to work with families.
• Provide constructive input on policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Interact courteously with others internally and externally.
• Work effectively as a team member and attend Center Staff Meetings.
• Participate in supervision, set goals for growth, and strive to achieve them.
• Attend Family Services Advisory Board meetings in November and May.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information.
• Engage clients by understanding and addressing their needs.
• Attend and participate in engagement team meetings as requested.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency, and funder requirements.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time, and 12 paid holidays during the first year.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with company match starting on day one.
• Additional voluntary benefits including Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: No Education Listed