Job Title: 0 to 5 Health and Nutrition Coordinator
Job Definition:
Under supervision of the Head Start Director, the Health & Nutrition Services Coordinator ensures each child receives preventive health care, including dental exams, physical examinations, screenings, and immunizations. Monitors the implementation of state and federal health, nutrition, and safety requirements described in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), State Childcare Licensing Regulations, and local grant goals and objectives. This position assists in managing the Head Start program as a whole with specific responsibilities in coordinating the mental health, health, dental, and nutritional needs of children as well as outside food services. Provides student, parent, and staff education in health, safety, and nutrition practices. Supervises health support staff.
Knowledge, skills and technical ability:
- Must have Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing with current nursing license. Two years’ experience preferred. Candidate must have experience in supervisory roles, and adult learning styles and education.
- Certified CPR and First Aid Instructor.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
- Knowledge of best practices in health, safety, and nutrition.
- Proficient with small office equipment and computers.
- Proficient communication skills including oral, written.
- Interpersonal skills to effectively lead and motivate staff, families, and volunteers. Able to resolve conflict and problem solve creatively.
- Possess good organizational skills, with sensitivity to details.
- Ability to work as a team player.
- Ability to identify program and individual goals for staff and families.
Must pass prior to starting position:
- Tuberculosis skin test (TB)
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation background check
- Physical Exam
Willing to certify:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- First Aid
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Ensures component program goals are met and in compliance with local, state, regional, and federal requirements.
- Provides ongoing training to staff, children and families in health, nutrition, and related topics.
- Monitors children’s health and treatment requirements.
- Performs data entry of health requirements.
- Performs school nurse duties.
- Performs vision/hearing screenings, heights/weights, and blood pressures for children.
- Supports Early Head Start/Head Start staff and school nurses to ensure children are safe and healthy.
- Guides staff and families through preventative health practices and ensures each has a medical/dental home.
- Develops and monitors program’s health and nutrition outcomes.
- Implements policies and procedures according to Performance Standards.
2. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to support all program components.
- Implements health and nutrition component training to management and center team staff.
- Ensures center compliance with Performance Standards and applicable federal and state requirements.
- Works cooperatively with all coordinators to ensure a smooth integration of all components.
3. Ensures quality operation of management team and assisting family advocates.
- Practices and supports open and honest communication among all staff members.
- Demonstrates initiative and ensures follow through.
- Develops program objectives and operating procedures (work plans).
- Acts as a facilitator and coach in center team meetings.
4. Supports families in achieving quality life experiences.
- Assists in the enrollment and screening process.
- Updates health forms as needed.
- Encourages family goal setting and assists in the development of Family Partnership agreements.
Provides education and information to families through Family Activity Night, newsletters, flyers, home visits, and other programs.
5. Collaborates with community organizations to ensure access to resources.
- Assists in developing community partnerships.
- Participates in community groups such as School Health Services.
- Arranges for, no less than, 2 Health Services Advisory Committee meetings each year. Contacts professionals and parents to serve on the committee.
6. Supports program excellence through the implementation of staff and program development plans.
- Develops program goals.
- Supports staff in establishing Professional Development Plans.
- Provides or arranges for staff training.
Insures all staff are trained and certified in First Aid/CPR.
7. Promotes and respects the Code of Ethical Conduct as set forth by the NAEYC.
- Maintains a professional manner and appearance at all times.
- Ensure HIPAA regulations are observed.
- Participates in the development and implementation of a professional development plan.
- Adheres to a mandatory reporting policy for child abuse and neglect.
8. Completes all other duties as assigned.
Working conditions: Spends approximately 30% of the time in an office environment, planning and processing paperwork; 20% of the time in school nurse duties; 15% time performing vision and hearing screenings; 20% time in the classrooms, coaching staff, monitoring health issues, and facilitating center team; and 15% off site, which includes family contacts and community collaboration.
Salary: Based on USD 489 Teacher Salary Schedule.
