Health Specialist (3833)

Lutheran Services Florida • Largo, FL

14d

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Health Specialist to promote and maintain the health of children enrolled in its Head Start program and carry out technical and clerical duties for the Head Start Health Component. The role also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The Health Specialist works with Family and Community Engagement Specialists and the Health Coordinator to obtain children’s medical and developmental histories, enter health information into the computer, and maintain health records. The position tracks and follows up on physical and dental exams, immunizations, special health needs, and referrals or treatment. In collaboration with a contracted nurse, the Specialist identifies children’s medical needs, follows up on abnormal exam findings, helps create and implement health care plans, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The role conducts screenings and measurements, arranges and participates in health training for staff, parents, and children, supports health-related conferences and staffing, and may transport children to medical or dental appointments. The Specialist also visits homes, observes children in classrooms, provides dental triage and health information, maintains relationships with community health partners, and completes Program Information Report data. The position requires confidentiality, attendance at required meetings and activities, and sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, one year of experience in children’s health care, and possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license. First Aid and CPR certification must be obtained within six months of assignment. Successful completion of required background screening, a local criminal record check, and drug screening is required before hiring. Additional community or college health care classes and bilingual ability are preferred.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year of experience in children’s health care.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within six months of the date assigned to the position.
• Successfully complete a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, and drug screening before hiring.
• Ability to use agency resources, including technology, to answer questions and provide guidance to staff and parents.
• Ability to train and present to large and small groups.
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community health resources.
• Effective and appropriate verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Organization skills and attention to detail, including the ability to meet designated deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds; reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.
• Occasional bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds, and occasional driving to provide program support.

Nice To Haves

• Additional community or college classes in health care.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Obtain complete medical and developmental histories for children enrolling in Head Start in collaboration with Family and Community Engagement Specialists and the Health Coordinator.
• Enter health information into the computer and maintain children’s health charts and records.
• Track and follow up on physical exams, special health needs, dental exams and follow-up, and immunizations.
• Identify and assess children’s medical needs in collaboration with a contracted nurse, and arrange treatment or refer parents to providers.
• Follow up on abnormal physical exam findings by consulting with parents and the Program Nurse or contracted nurse.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements regarding physical exams and immunizations, involving a supervisor or contracted nurse as needed.
• Arrange and participate in health care training programs for staff, parents, and children.
• Participate in health-related staffing and screening conferences.
• Measure each enrolled child’s height and weight twice per year and generate BMI charts for child files.
• Complete vision and hearing screenings for each Head Start child within 45 days of enrollment.
• Transport children to dental or medical appointments as needed.
• Notify the supervisor or contracted nurse of children’s special health needs and follow up to ensure health care plans are written, kept in child files, and properly implemented by classroom staff.
• Collaborate with the contracted nurse to schedule staff training, child triage, and other activities as needed.
• Maintain positive relationships with community health partners and complete Program Information Report data.
• Visit children’s homes to assess the home situation and provide parents with health and dental information.
• Observe children in the classroom to identify health care needs and provide dental triage for Head Start children.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Attend workshops, meetings, staff meetings, and parent meetings and activities as required by the supervisor or program.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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