Specialist, Health Services

CHILD DEVELOPMENT•Oxnard, CA

2d•$26 - $38

About The Position

Under the supervision of the assigned health and nutrition coordinator, the Health Services Specialist supports the delivery and coordination of health and nutrition services for enrolled Head Start and Early Head Start children and their families. The role conducts and documents screenings and observations, identifies health and nutrition concerns, arranges referrals and follow-up care, and maintains confidential child and family records and program data. The specialist also supports parent education, staff training, community partnerships, health services monitoring, and site health and safety activities. The position maintains program records and supplies, supports data quality and audit readiness, responds to requests from staff, parents, and community agencies, and attends required meetings and training sessions.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in child development, health, or a related field.
At least two years of recent experience in a position involving public health, health education, health care services, or social work.
Fluent bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Knowledge of Windows and applications such as Word and Excel.
Ability to write reports and business correspondence effectively.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, staff, families, and the general public.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram-form instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups across cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to use hands and fingers effectively with a computer keyboard and other office machines and to complete required paperwork.
Ability to clearly see detailed documents and reports.
Must submit to an agency-paid, job-pertinent pre-employment physical examination, a negative tuberculosis test, and a criminal record background check; employment is conditional on satisfactory results.
Must comply with periodic physical examinations and TB clearances if hired.
Mandated Reporter.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of adult learning strategies.
Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate curriculum, materials, learning environments, and teaching strategies for children from birth to five.

Responsibilities

Conduct screenings and arrange follow-up treatment and ongoing care for enrolled children in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Identify children and families with health- and nutrition-related problems.
Assist with nutritional status assessments of Head Start and Early Head Start children using health histories, physical assessments, growth chart data, special needs, and knowledge of community nutrition-related problems.
Conduct and document observations of children in response to health-related referrals.
Make appropriate agency referrals and ensure timely follow-up.
Update and document efforts in the program data management system to help staff and families complete screenings and obtain follow-up treatment and ongoing care.
Maintain and update confidential child records, and process and track dental services referrals.
Assist with developing and implementing parent education activities that promote good health and nutrition habits.
Assist the health coordinator in working with local health care providers to ensure families and children can access required health services.
Help identify, mobilize, and maintain contact with local community agencies that provide health education services to parents and program staff.
Assist the health coordinator with monitoring health services and providing technical assistance to site staff.
Conduct health and safety site visits and maintain first aid kits.
Assist with coordinating and providing training to staff, parents, and community members.
Enter child and family information into the computerized record-keeping system; monitor, review, and verify data entry.
Respond to requests for information, forms, and supplies from staff, parents, and community agencies.
Distribute, inventory, and replenish medical and dental supplies.
Monitor the distribution and return of hearing and vision testing equipment.
Maintain record-keeping systems, reports, and other documents required for program reviews and audits.
Attend staff, parent, and community meetings and training sessions as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.