HEALTH SPECIALIST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Administrative work in coordinating and administering health services to children and parents. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Coordinates and oversees all aspects of the delivery of health services for the children. Oversees maintenance of children?s health records and overall program health records. Reviews, evaluates and interprets health records, vital statistics and other health related data. Participates as a member of the team that evaluates the progress of enrolled children. Tracks the progress of the children during the year. Plans, conducts and/or arranges in conjunction with Education Specialist, training of staff concerning health education, first-aid, child abuse and neglect and emergency medical procedures. Arranges for health screening examinations and treatment of children. Negotiates and maintains contracts with outside vendors for the purchase of other needed services for children. Assists in preparation of budget as it relates to medical and dental allocations. Monitors budget expenditures. Conducts classroom visits to observe health and safety activities within the classroom and provides on-site consultation to teaching staff. Documents observations during classroom visits. In conjunction with the Family & Community Partnerships Coordinator, organizes Health Services Advisory Committee. Establishes working relationships with local health resources. Designs, conducts or arranges for health education for parents. Promotes parent involvement in the total health program. Counsels families concerning specific family health problems. Assists in linking families to an ongoing health care system and assists family in taking responsibility for health care of child and family. Promotes health and safety practices. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Ability to understand, process, & facilitate the implementation of the requirements outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable laws & regulations related to the Head Start Performance Standards. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other health professionals. Knowledge of pediatric nursing. Knowledge of agency terminology and subject matter. Knowledge of modern health care techniques. Ability to gain knowledge of & utilize the hearing & vision equipment. Ability to communicate with children. Ability to operate a personal computer. Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing and database software (MS Word). Ability to navigate the Internet. Ability to gain knowledge of ChildPlus software. Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi-cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to clients and co-workers. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years experience in health care, preferably related to early childhood/preschool children. Graduation from an accredited practical nursing program. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must pass the fingerprint and background screening, required by child care licensing regulations. Certified in CPR and First Aid. Florida Licensed Professional Nurse Registration, preferably with an advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner certification. Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License and access to reliable transportation to and from work and for travel to off-site locations.

Excellent Benefits EEO/DFWP/M/F/D/V CLOSING DATE: 6/30/06