Health Specialist

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Are you looking to become an integral part of a Nationally Accredited Organization that helps to improve the lives of families with young children?  Join our Team and help us to continue our compassionate quest to provide high quality services to children and families throughout Florida.

JOB TITLE:  HEALTH SPECIALIST                                         LOCATION:  ORLANDO, FL

*Travel required in the tri-county area
DEPARTMENT:  HEAD START                                                       

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Supports the Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program by planning, administering, and overseeing the required program for Health Services are delivered to children and families in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards..

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. In collaboration with Family Advocates and each child’s parent and within 45 days of the child’s entry in to the program, the Health Specialist will perform or obtain screening procedures to identify concerns regarding sensory (vision and auditory) development. To the greatest extent possible, these screenings must be sensitive to the child’s cultural background.  Tracks and utilizes data for the purpose of referring and monitoring children’s progress. 
2.   Responsible for ensuring that each child has an ongoing source of continuous accessible healthcare. Works with Family Advocates to assist the parents in assessing a source of care. Obtains from a health care professional a determination as to whether the child is up to date on a schedule of age-appropriate preventative and primary health care which includes medical, and dental. Such a schedule must incorporate the requirements for a schedule of well child care utilized by the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPDST) program of the Medicaid agency of Florida.
3.   Monitors and tracks that each child has the latest immunization recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as any additional recommendations from the local Health Services Advisory Committee that are based on prevalent community health problems. Assists parents in making necessary arrangements to bring the child up to date, and continued follow up of ongoing well care.
4.  Inputs physicals, immunizations, lead results, health plans, family contacts and follow-ups into the Child Plus Data System throughout program year.
5. May obtain or arrange further diagnostic testing, examination and treatment by an appropriate licensed or certified professional for each child with an observable, known or suspected health problem; and develops and implements a health plan and follow up.
6. Establishes a system of ongoing communication with the parents of children with          identified health needs to facilitate the implementation and/or revision of treatment or follow up plans.
7. Regularly conducts site visits to monitor classroom health and safety practices, including First Aid Kits, Pace Reports, Medication Permission Forms, lock boxes, Asthma profiles, updated First Aid Boards, Emergency Evacuation Board, Fire Drill Log, etc.
8. Provides technical assistance and follow up to staff and families and reports all findings to the applicable Site Supervisor and Program Manager.
9. Submits monthly reports and applicable Program Information Report (PIR) information to the Program Manager
10. Assists with the preparation and expenditure of the health services budget, ordering and purchasing of health supplies and materials.
11. Coordinates, conducts and designs health trainings on safety, first aid, pediatric basic life support, blood borne pathogens, and emergency medical procedures for staff and families annually and ongoing.
12. In collaboration with other community agencies, facilitates quarterly Health Services Advisory Council (HSAC) meetings.  Ensures contract(s) are maintained with health professionals so that services to families and children are accessible and available.
13. Recruits eligible children into HS/EHS, including children with disabilities.
14. Seeks In-Kind (donated time, services, products) or cash (grant opportunities, state or local funding) to assist the program in meeting its 20% non-federal share requirement.
15. Participates in the Agency’s Quality Improvement Program.

    {Above are essential functions of the job.  4C promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.  Please see your supervisor should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.}

    [This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management.  Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.]

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of pediatric nursing and modern health care techniques. Knowledge of and ability to utilize hearing and vision equipment. Ability to understand process and facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards. Ability to interact with young children. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to operate a personal computer, with knowledge of a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Word. Ability to gain knowledge of ChildPlus software. Ability to gather and analyze data and make concise, accurate reports and recommendations. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Ability to work and communicate with people from various socio-economic and multi-cultural backgrounds.  Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to customers and co-workers. 

    REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

     •    Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Health Education, Maternal and Child Health, Health Sciences, or related field.

    •    Two (2) years’ experience in health care, preferably related to early childhood/ preschool children.

    [A comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.]

    SALARY: $ $35,818 per year
    PAY GRADE:  9                                                                             APPLICATIONS/RESUMES TO:     Email: kcameron@4cflorida.org

16. Equal Opportunity Employer - Veteran/Disability                             CLOSING DATE: