Under the supervision of the assigned health and nutrition coordinator, the health services specialist shall be responsible to:

1. Conduct screenings and arrange for follow-up treatment and ongoing care of enrolled children in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
2. Identify children and families with health and nutrition-related problems.
3. Assist with the nutritional status assessment of all Head Start or Early Head Start children based on a review of the child’s health history, physical assessment, including growth chart data, special needs, and knowledge of community nutrition-related problems.
4. Conduct and document observation of children in response to health-related referrals.
5. Make appropriate referrals to appropriate agencies and ensure follow-up in a timely manner.
6. Update and document in the program data management system efforts to assist program staff and families with completion of screenings, follow-up treatment, and ongoing care.
7. Maintain and update confidential child records, and process and track dental services referrals.
8. Assist in the development and implementation of parent education activities to develop good health and nutrition habits.
9. Assist the health coordinator in working with local health care providers to ensure the accessibility and provision of required health services for families and children.
10. Assist the health and nutrition coordinator to identify, mobilize, and maintain contact with local community agencies to provide health education services to parents and program staff.
11. Assist the health coordinator to monitor health services and provide technical assistance to site staff.
12. Conduct health and safety site visits and maintain first aid kits.
13. Assist the health and nutrition coordinator to coordinate and provide training to staff, parents, and community members.
14. Input child and family information into computerized record-keeping system. Monitor review, and verify data entry.
15. Respond to requests for information, forms, and supplies from staff, parents, and community agencies.
16. Distribute, inventory, and refill medical and dental supplies.
17. Monitor the distribution and return of hearing and vision testing equipment.
18. Maintain record-keeping systems, reports and other required documents for program reviews and audits.
19. Attend staff, parent, and community meetings, and training sessions as required.
20. Other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum of an associate degree in child development, health, or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ recent experience in a position involving public health, health education, health care services, or social work.

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

Knowledge and Abilities: Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) skills required. Knowledge of Windows environment and applications such as Word and Excel. Ability to effectively write reports and business correspondence. Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, staff, families and the general public. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. 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 a variety of individuals and groups of diverse cultural, ethnic, and economical backgrounds.

Physical Abilities: Ability to effectively use hands and fingers in the use of computer keyboard and other office machines and for completing required paperwork. Ability to clearly see detailed documents and reports.

License or Other Requirements: Must submit to a job-pertinent, agency-paid, pre-employment physical examination, negative tuberculosis test and criminal record background check. Employment is conditional, pending satisfactory results of all required tests and background checks. Periodic physical examinations and TB clearances will be required if hired. Mandated Reporter.