Health Coordinator ECD TX

Location: Crystal City and Laredo, TX

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The Health Coordinator plans, coordinates and monitors compliance for the CPLC ECD, Health Content Area for the region. Ensures the Health Content Areas are in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Act (12/7/07), Texas and New Mexico laws and regulations at all centers in the region. Health Coordinator (HC) plans, develops, and implements training for staff, parents, and volunteers in collaboration with the Nutrition Coordinator. Promotes school readiness by preparing children and families for school and life success as it relates to this position.

SPECIALIZATIONS

Initial employment physical, TB test or Chest X-ray, Tdap vaccination, valid Driver's License from Texas or New Mexico and vehicle insurance are required. Must pass a criminal background check to include a Child Abuse and Neglect register check and obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance card. Must be First Aid and CPR certified or obtain certification within the first 6 months of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in a Health Education/Promotion, Public Health, School Health Services, Child Health or other health related field, or degree in Nursing with a license to practice as RN, LVN, or LPN is required. At least 2 years of experience working in a community health system which serves culturally diverse and low-income children and families is required. Knowledge of child development ages birth to five years of age, knowledge of womens health services and working with pregnant women desirable. Experience and knowledge related to disability service and mental health support for children and families desirable. Applicant must have working knowledge of state EPSDT/Medicaid guidelines, health care providers and community resources related to health services. Experience working with comprehensive record keeping systems. Use of computer, projection equipment, computer software programs (e.g. Microsoft Office, Adobe) and web based systems are required. Applicant must be able to generate reports and be able to understand the context and how it fits the program appropriately.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

Provide written reports, including Health portions of the Program Information Report (PIR) and the annual Immunization Data Reports of children.

Assure the Health Profile for the Community Assessments is complete and participate in the CPLC ECD Annual Self-Assessment process

Organize the Health Services Advisory Committee and conduct meetings throughout the year.

Support Center Service Managers (CSM) and Family Service Engagement Workers (FSEW), Child Care Partnership Services Manager (CCPSM), Family Services Engagement Worker Floater Teacher (FSEWFT) , Home Visitors (HV), and Family Child Care Specialist (FCCS) in identifying and securing health services in each community. Work with FSEWs and other program staff to link families with a community health care system consulting with the HSAC members in the communities being served by the CPLC ECD Head Start.

Support childrens health, well-being, and competence.

Support and address established school readiness goals, defined by Head Start Program Performance Standards as the expectations of childrens status and progress across domains of language and literacy development, cognition and general knowledge, approaches to learning, physical health and well-being and motor development, and social and emotional development that will improve readiness for kindergarten goals.

Recognize that development in each of the five domains is affected by a childs health and safety. Health services support children in becoming healthy, staying safe, and being ready to learn.

Ensure health services also provide early identification, treatment, and follow-up alongside health promotion and prevention strategies in order to promote school readiness.

Work with CPLC ECD Personnel in an integrated and comprehensive approach that leads to childrens well-being and competence. Amongst other elements, the approach should focus on: Development of strong relationships, strong engagement with family and community, strong health and safety practices.

Develop and implement program support services for the healthy growth and development of babies, young children and their families.

Work with the FSEWs, HVs, FCCS, CCPSM, and CSMs to monitor and review growth assessments, vision, hearing, medical, dental, developmental, Health History and immunization records obtained for each child.

Work with CSMs, FSEWs, HVs, FCCS, CCPSM and Teachers, which includes Family Child Care (FCC) Providers and Child Care Center Partners, to ensure prevention, early identification, and intervention strategies for health concerns related to early child development.

Work with Migrant Health services, the HSAC and other appropriate federal, state, and county agencies to coordinate and secure services for ECD children and their families.

Monitor all health services to ensure health screenings and exams are completed within the 30- 45 day timeline and that health records are complete and accurate for each child.

Ensure that health education to parents, staff, and children is provided according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Head Start Act (12/7/07) and content area plan.

Ensure that all first aid, medical, sick, and emergency care procedures at the centers is implemented in accordance with federal, state, and county rules and regulations.

Conduct vision screenings for program participants.

Establish procedures, in collaboration with all Content Coordinators and FCCS of Child Health and Developmental Services for children age 0-5 at the centers.

Respond to medical emergencies, such as an outbreak of communicable disease based on current CDC, HSAC or county guidelines; and by assisting center staff to assess situation and determine actions to be taken. Report all incidents according to Texas and New Mexico Childcare licensing requirements.

Work with the ECD Education Coordinator to ensure that infants and toddlers receive appropriate health care and oral health activities are developmentally appropriate, safe, and sanitary with in the classroom.

Work with program staff during the Case Management process to address child and family issues or concerns within the Health Content Areas; assure health and oral referrals are made according to the Health Content Area Plan or appropriate protocols.

Review and update the Health Content Area Plan and Procedures.

Assist in the development and monitor the implementation of Individual Health/Allergy Plans for children with chronic illness with the assistance of parents, physicians and center staff through an integrated cross content approach.

Work closely with the Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator (DMHC) in the assessment process and follow up to ensure that the special needs of children with disabilities are met.

Work closely with Eligibility, Recruitment, Selections, Enrollment, Attendance, and Transition Coordinator (ERSEAT) in handling participant absence due to illness related issues.

Attend training, Pre-Service, In-service, and conferences as appropriate to the position.

Implement suggestions and recommendations made by Coordinators, Specialists, and Managers.

Implement all state and federal regulations, HSPPS, the Head Start Act (12/7/07) and ECD Content Area Plans and Procedures.

Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to cultural issues and community practices of low income and at risk families, including dual language speakers. Demonstrate awareness of the background and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.

Perform other duties as requested by immediate supervisor necessary to carry out the administrative/programmatic activities necessary to fulfill the goals and objectives of CPLC ECD.

JOB DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands along with fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, bending at the waist crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Must have dependable transportation and able to travel (in state/out of state). Some night/weekend work is to be expected. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

CONTINUOUS EDUCATION

Employee will be expected to participate in continuous learning, competency building and maintenance of competency skills.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in structured environments. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports to and is supervised directly by the Child Development Program Services Coordinator. Employee is also accountable for understanding and complying with CPLC policies and procedures.