Health​/Nutrition & Safety Specialist

Overview

Under general supervision from the Early Childhood Education Leader, the Health/Nutrition & Safety Specialist plans, implements and evaluates all health and nutrition services and activities for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).

Primary functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative only and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification.

• Tracks health screening results in the Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) on a Health Data Tracking Instrument, which is maintained throughout the year. Ensures that all required health screenings are completed within 45 or 90 calendar days (depending on screening) of each child s enrollment. Maintains up-to-date information of each child enrolled. Plans and implements health screening events for all ECEC children.
  
  Follows up to ensure completion of necessary medical treatments.
• Collaborates with the ECEC Health Aides to assist with the care of children, including giving of medication upon parent s approval. Covers the health office when the health aides are not on site.
• Collaborates and assists other ECEC administrative staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures, training and technical assistance plan.
• Collaborates with tribal departments to ensure the delivery of quality health, nutrition, and safety services to ECEC families.
• Functions as a liaison between the ECEC, tribal departments and local agencies. Collaborates with local agencies to ensure timely follow-up for health and nutrition related concerns.
• Arranges for training in health and nutrition related areas for parents and staff (including required staff training in CPR, First Aid, OSHA standards, fire safety suppression, and required safety drills).
• Acts as an advocate for families in assessing their health needs. Makes health-related calls, home visits, etc. with ECEC families as needed. Ensures that all ECEC children have a source of continuous, accessible health care.
• Prepares and submits quarterly and annual reports to the ECEC Leader. Completes appropriate areas of the annual Program Information Report.
• Maintains effective two-way communication with ECEC parents/guardians as needed, through home or office visits, phone conversations, written communications, newsletters and meetings/workshops.
• Plans, implements, evaluates and supervises all ECEC health and nutrition services and safety activities according to Head Start Program Performance Standards and other regulations such as Block Grant requirements, and the ECEC plan and SRPMIC / ECEC policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and maintains an ongoing Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC) that include Head Start parents, professionals, and other volunteers from the Community to guide health services.
• Schedules and coordinates health screenings for ECEC children with the cooperation of the ECEC health assistants, Public Health, and/or other local health agencies.
• Integrates health and nutrition services into ECEC as a whole by working in collaboration with other ECEC administrative staff members, Food Services, and the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC).
• Attends staff meetings and training. Attends health, nutrition and management-related workshops, seminars, conferences and/or classes in order to maintain up-to-date information and services.
• Collaborates with appropriate ECEC staff to ensure that health activities are integrated into the everyday activities of each classroom.
• Oversees safety of facilities and indoor and outdoor play areas. Inspects playground for safety, hazards, and age-appropriateness. Ensures proper surfacing is in place and equipment is well-maintained.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance program and department operation.

A willingness to learn and understand:

• The history, culture, traditions, and customs of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Knowledge of:

• Ar…