Health, Nutrition & Saftey Coordinator

TITLE:                 Health, Nutrition & Safety Coordinator

DIVISION:          Migrant Head Start

REPORTS TO:   Early Childhood Director

FLSA:                   Non-Exempt, Non-Medical (NE-NM)

SALARY RANGE: $20.40 - $23.56 hourly 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Health, Nutrition & Safety Coordinator is responsible for managing, planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive health/dental, environmental safety and nutrition programs for children and their families enrolled in the Migrant Head Start program.  This position involves extensive record keeping, organizing, problem solving, and time management.  It also involves interpretation and communication of complex regulations and medical data and terminology.  Extensive interaction with children, staff, parents, and the larger community is also required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ensures that all enrolled children are up-to-date on a schedule of age appropriate preventive and primary health care within four weeks of child’s entry and as services become due. Works collaboratively with parents to arrange any needed medical, dental, or nutritional examinations and immunizations, keeping in mind parents’ work schedules.

In collaboration with parents and other staff, develops a written follow-up plan and arranges re-screening, further diagnostic testing, examination, and treatment for each child found to have medical, dental or nutritional problems. Assists parents, as needed, with identifying resources to obtain prescribed medications, aids, or equipment for medical and dental conditions.

Obtains informed signed parental consent and release of information for all health, dental and nutritional services provided to children by the program or its contracted service providers; encourages parental presence and participation at these health services; and informs parents in writing of the results of all services.

Identifies health, dental, emergency and nutrition service resources within the community; ensures all these services are included in the Community Resource Directory; and helps parents, as needed, in securing a source of accessible health care for their families.

In close communication with the Director, negotiates and develops written agreements and/or contracts with service providers; makes vigorous efforts to assure that Head Start is the dollar of last resort, seeking to obtain free or reduced priced services whenever possible.

Secures the services of a qualified Nutrition Consultant to support the program’s nutrition services and, with prior approval of the Director, develops a written contract for the nutritionist’s services; secures and keeps on file nutritionist’s credentials; orients the consultant to duties and to the Migrant Head Start program and the population served; and, coordinates the schedule of the nutritionist’s visits ensuring at least eight hours of service per month.

In consultation with service area experts and in collaboration with other staff, plans and delivers or secures group and individualized training for staff and parents on health, dental, nutrition and environmental safety topics. Provides staff with technical assistance in the performance of their jobs as they relate to these service areas.

Develops written health, environmental safety, sanitation, food service and emergency policies and procedures ensuring compliance with local and state regulations, with appropriate director, consultant, staff, parent, board, HSAC and grantee participation and approval. Ensures these policies and procedures are carried out including scheduling required drills, conducting required safety checks and monitoring all other provisions.

Monitors the ongoing health status and needs of enrolled children by ensuring the completion of daily health checks, the administering of medications per the agency’s policy and doctors’ orders, the implementation of the program’s short-term Exclusion and Readmission Policy and other procedures as needed.

With assistance from the Health & Nutrition Specialist, monitors the implementation of the Migrant Head Start’s menus, recipes and Food Service Policy; monitors food service staff in food purchasing, preparation, service and storage, kitchen cleanliness, food handling and dish washing procedures; provides training and technical assistance as needed; and, assists director and cook, as requested, in maintaining records for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Coordinates the Health & Nutrition Specialist’s review of classrooms to ensure: that foods are an integral part of the total education program; that mealtime atmosphere is conducive to socialization and development; that meals are served family style; and, that the quality, quantity and size of food served is appropriate to the ages of the children.

Coordinates the observation of the Infant/Toddler rooms by medical personnel as required by Illinois Day Care Licensing Standards; ensures observations, instructions and recommendations are recorded and carried out.

Organizes and facilitates the activities of the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC); ensures that the Committee membership is composed of all required professions and parent representation and that it meets at least twice a year.

Maintains detailed, accurate, up-to-date and confidential records including: child health files, health services tracking system and documentation of all activities; develops and submits timely reports of component service provision and activities for director, grantee, PC, Board and others as required. Maintains strict child, family and staff confidentiality at all times.

Ensures children are familiarized with all health services they will receive prior to delivery by assisting teachers with child centered activities in the classroom and instructing parents on how to prepare their children for services; provides and/or arranges for transportation for children to health service appointments and for translation services, as necessary.

Refers children suspected of having a disability immediately to the Education & Disability Coordinator; coordinates with EDC, other staff and families the provision of services to children with disabilities or suspected of having disabilities.

Provides parents with records of all services provided to their children before they leave the program; discusses with parents the importance of these records and how to maintain them. Also, transfers children’s records as requested and approved by parents in writing.

Facilitates the transition of children with incomplete medical/dental treatment or with ongoing medical needs to services at their next destination, per the delegate’s transition plan and with full participation of parents.

Participates in and contributes to all case management, parent education planning, supervisory, management team and staff meetings. Also, attends interagency meetings, Parent Committee meetings and Policy Council and other meetings, as appropriate.

Attends and participates in grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; reads and reviews regulations and other resources to keep abreast of current issues and trends related to the responsibilities of the job.

Serves as an advocate for the Migrant Head Start program and the health and nutrition needs of migrant farm workers by presenting to community groups, participating in local associations and groups and serving on local committees, as appropriate.

Participates in the annual program self-evaluation and grantee monitoring and complies with the program improvement plans developed. Contributes to the development of the Delegate Agency Annual Plan, program proposals and Community Assessment, as requested.

Performs other duties, as requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Participates in Emergency Preparedness planning, drills, and response activities.

Attends evening or weekend meetings, trainings, or community events as required.

Assists with classroom and site monitoring activities related to health, safety and nutrition.

Serves on agency committees as assigned.

 TRAINING COMPONENT

Participates in continuing education and staff development through coaching, seminars, conferences, or work shops at personal or departmental expenses.

 ADDITONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

     A. All duties necessary to meet requirements of Migrant Program.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

     A. Education, Training and Experience:

Requires a High School diploma or GED equivalent AND

Requires NHSA Basic Health Services credential at time of hire or within 9 months of employment AND

Requires a minimum of eighteen credit hours in public health, nursing, health education, maternal & child health, nutrition, health administration, or early childhood education at time of hire or within 18 months of employment.

Prefer Associate or Bachelor Degree in related field and/or nursing credentials

Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children and families preferred.

      B. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Effective oral and written communication skills

Excellent organizational and leadership skills

Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures, including basic computer skills.

Knowledge and use of English language and grammar.

Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.

Ability to carry detailed oral and written instructions.

Ability to plan, organize, and supervise work of others and encourage problem solving.

    C. Certification and Other Requirements: 

          1.  Requirements: DCFS background/criminal check,  DCFS Physical, Mandated Reporter, valid driver’s license
              & auto liability insurance, and DCFS Licensing required courses

          2. Recommendations: Hepatitis B Vaccine, CPR/First Aide, and CLASS Reliable

      D. Physical Requirements:

Strength: Lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and 20 pounds frequently.

Movement:

Routine: Sit, walk, or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach above shoulder level.

Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.

Occasion: Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor. 

Drive an automobile.

Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse.

      E.   Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure:  Minimal to moderate Occupational Exposure

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"