Health/Nutrition Specialist (Internal Job Posting)

SUMMARY

The Health/Nutrition Specialist supports the Children’s Services Department by planning, administering, and overseeing Health, Dental and Nutrition services and ensuring services are delivered in strict accordance with federal Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Daycare Licensing and the USDA CACFP regulations. Collaborate with Department Leadership to ensure health, wellness, and safety protocols are in place including promotion, prevention, early identification, and intervention strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following.Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by management.

Health Services

• Review and monitor Child Health Report (including lead status report) from physician, other health forms as completed by parent, vision & hearing screening results, dental exam forms, Missouri Immunization Registry reports, growth assessments, Missouri Lead Registry and support parents and Family Advocates’ efforts to ensure timely medical follow-up. 
• Ensures individual Medical Action Plans that require medication at school are reviewed by a Health Professional prior to child presence in the classroom without parent or legal guardian and provides for training of staff for best practices as related to the medical need. 
• Assists in updating Health Related Policies and Procedures and forms. 
• Makes regular center visits to complete observations to ensure policies and procedures are being 
• followed. Feedback provided to staff in a timely manner.
• Support staff understanding and follow-through of appropriate Universal Precautions, sanitizing, and disinfection best practice procedures. 
• Support child medication administration including potential side effects, appropriate documentation, and storage according to current best practices.
• Monitor and analyze required health data and health follow-up using the current database (ChildPlus) and advise programs of corrective action as needed .

Nutrition

• Reviews child nutrition screening forms completed by parents and monitors growth assessments. 
• Assists and advises staff and families regarding any perceived nutritional concerns. 
• Ensures individual Special Diet Statements are reviewed by a health professional prior to child presence in the classroom without parent or legal guardian and provides for training of staff for best practices.
• Reviews dental exam forms from dental providers. Plans Head Start Dental Days in collaboration with community dental clinics. Supports parents and Family Resource Specialists' efforts to ensure timely dental follow-up. 
• Assists in updating Nutrition and Oral Health Related Policies and Procedures and forms.
• Manage the USDA Food Program, including but not limited to menu planning, requisitions and production records. 

Professional Development and Training

• Assists in professional development training in the area of health, nutrition and safety by providing training or identifying trainers, classes and other training resources; maintains records of training.
• Supports Family Advocates in connecting Head Start families with needed health related community resources.
• Support staff and parent understanding of short-term exclusion due to illness and other health-related best practices.
• Stay abreast of initiatives and developments in the health field.
• Collaborate and network with Professionals in Community, Health Departments, and School Districts to advocate for children and families; stay abreast of community needs and services. Contribute to the facilitation of the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee.
• Provide education, review and oversight of prevention, early identification of potential medical problems and healthy lifestyle. Through participation in parent meetings, staff meetings, monthly newsletter and flyers, assists parents and staff to understand the link between optimal health and readiness to learn. 

Leadership 

• Support staff to embrace quality initiatives, encourage children/families healthy living and utilize data and information to drive quality decision making.
• Participate and contribute to monthly leadership meetings. 
• Keeps abreast of changes in Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing, and best practices related to early childhood health and safety and advises programs as needed. 
• Engage families in their child's development by encouraging staff understanding of the importance of parental involvement in their child's health and mental health. 
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and use positive language.
• Follow DAEOC/Head Start Program policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families and staff at all times.
• Reports all incidents of child abuse observed or discovered pursuant to mandated reporter requirements and the guidelines of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program, DAEOC and State Regulations.

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EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, social work or a related field is required.  Previous experience working with children and families is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Must have a current driver's license valid in the state of Missouri as well as access to a vehicle.  Certified trainer in CPR and First Aid or ability to obtain after hire.