Health/Nutrition Specialist
The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by the position in this job classification. Not all duties are included; it is expected that an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Implement Early Head Start and Head Start health objectives and performance standards.
2. Link families with an ongoing system of health care, assist parents in the selection of health providers, counsel them about child or family health problems, and promote parent involvement in all aspects of the health program
3. Work with local health care professionals and service providers to ensure that services for families are available and accessible;
4. Promote health and safety practices in the program and coordinate safety and sanitation procedures, first aid, and emergency medical procedures.
5. Coordinate and direct all phases of the organization’s Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start medical and dental programs.
6. Coordinate all health screenings while assisting in the identification of high-risk children and the provision of a healthy, safe environment for children and staff.
7. Maintain and evaluate health records for each child enrolled in the program.
8. Counsel with parents regarding available resources for management of individual health needs.
9. Conduct appropriate observations and screening procedures for the purpose of identifying infants/toddlers with health deficiencies.
10. Utilize individual and group counseling opportunities to promote health and prevent illness.
11. Oversee food ordering process for the Center for Children.
12. Compile and submit all required forms and documentation for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
13. Compile monthly report on collection of CACFP funding.
14. Maintain license for all kitchen facilities.
15. Maintain ServSafe Certifications as necessary.
16. Serve as Food Service Manager for the CACFP program.
17. Meet with parents/staff and make home visits when necessary for the purpose of sharing information and discussing solutions to individual health problems and ensures newborn visits are conducted.
18. Provide oversight for all medical referrals for EHS and Head Start enrollees and assures continuity of care for those students needing further medical care.
19. Coordinate continuity of services with the other EHS/HS specialists
20. Supports Delegate staff with cases involving child abuse and other specialized medical needs.
21. Participate in staffing and other team meetings to support staff on the emotional, social and health needs of children and their families.
22. Assess and provides oversight for student immunization records to assure compliance with state and local health regulations via MCIR.
23. Participate in health education activities with families and groups, upon request
24. Assist in promoting preventative health services and early intervention to the families and teachers. Provides follow-up to families.
25. Assist in performing monthly growth assessments on height, weight, head circumference and age of each child where required by performance standards.
26. Serves as EHS/HS liaison with the medical and dental community.
27. Maintain a daily record of center and home visits, outreach functions and other activities.
28. Coordinate/provides training of CPR/First Aid, Universal Precautions, medication and safe sleep training for all staff, teachers, assistants, substitutes and volunteers each year to comply with state and local health regulations.
29. Ensure that all health data is up to date based on performance standards and keys health and nutrition data into the Child Plus system.
30. Ensure that staff are up-to-date on CPR/First Aid, Blood borne Pathogens and Universal Precautions training.
31. Ensure that all classrooms post emergency procedures and have health and safety checklists.
32. Provide nutrition counseling to the parents of all children in the EHS/HS programs:
a. with Hematocrit levels below 34 % and/ or hemoglobin of below 11.
b. who are overweight, short for age and underweight. Body Mass Index will be used as the guide to determine weight status of children
c. with lead levels of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher
d. with digestive complications caused by infant formula or food intolerances
33. Provide nutrition counseling to mothers of children at birth, 3 months, 9 months and 12 months.
34. Approve menus to be served to the children in the EHS/HS programs, together with any subsequent changes. Makes adjustments to the menus to accommodate children’s food allergies and food intolerances.
35. Make menu adjustments and address other requirements needed to accommodate medically based diets, nutrient supplements or meal replacement formulas prescribed by the doctor.
36. Address all eating complications or the need for special eating devices and or digestive issues noted by the doctor.
37. Document, in each child’s file, all services rendered, in written form or computerized form, as required by Focus: HOPE.
38. Provide once a month nutrition education to EHS and HS parents in written form.
39. Provide nutrition education /training three times a year to the EHS and HS staff
40. Attend the monthly Health and Nutrition Specialist meetings, the Parent Committee meetings, the Policy Committee meetings, and any other meetings/trainings requested by Focus: HOPE and/or the grantee
41. Update health screenings procedures and policies yearly and trains staff on any changes.
42. Cooperate in any investigation related to personnel, licensing, accreditation or other circumstances.
Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in nursing required. One to three years’ experience which involves: 1) knowledge of basic nursing practices, methods and techniques; 2) some knowledge of health problems of moderate/significant disabled and behavior disordered students, and 3) knowledge of and training in nutrition. Current Registered Nurse credentials, and
Valid State of Michigan Driver's license required.