SUMMARY:

The Head Start/Early Head Start Health Services Manager reports to the Program Operations Director. Responsible for the leadership, direction, and oversight in the areas of planning, development, and implementation of operational policies and procedures for health, including child medical, dental, mental health, and child nutrition for all children including those with disabilities. Implements the program?s management systems and procedures; i.e., involving families, planning, communication, record keeping and reporting, ongoing monitoring and self-assessment. Works closely with the agency?s Food Services Coordinator to ensure nutritious meals are served to the children, and families have input into meal planning. This work is performed under the supervision of the Program Operations Director and reviewed through monitoring, conferences, reports, and evaluation of program area effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following:

• Schedules comprehensive screenings within forty-five (45) days and ninety (90) days and implement follow-up treatment services, as necessary.
• Assures that all children maintain up-to-date age-appropriate schedule of well child care by obtaining or arranging treatment for all health problems detected on enrolled children.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations are followed.
• Assists in the annual updates and revisions of health, nutritional, disabilities, mental health and nutrition plan and procedures in conjunction with the Health Services Advisory Committee, Policy Council and parents.
• Ensures the maintenance of individual health records of all children and maintains a health tracking system. Analyzes HSFIS reports and follow-up or through on identified needs.
• Organizes a Health Services Advisory Committee for input, recommendations into the comprehensive delivery of health care services to include medical, dental, mental health and nutrition.
• Reviews, evaluates and interprets health records in conjunction with the SDT and MDT to determine appropriate health services.
• Plans and assists teaching staff in implementing a health/nutrition education and safety curriculum obtaining input from other staff and parents.
• Counsels parents regarding the health/nutrition problems of their children, designs and conducts health/nutrition education for parents and staff. Develops Individual Health Care Plans as needed.
• Develops a list of local health/nutrition resources and establishes working relationships with local providers through contractual agreements, as appropriate.
• Maintains an accurate record of the children needing special diets and ensures that the agency?s Nutritionist adjust menus to meet those special dietary needs.
• Health Services Manager or designee will monitor and provide training on the administration of all medication, in accordance with State requirements and agency?s procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of all health records.
• Works with center staff and parents to implement short-term exclusion policy.
• Monitors food services facilities and serving areas to ensure compliance with good health and sanitation conditions.
• Monitors food preparations, meal services, storage areas, equipment and supplies (including vehicles used to transport food).
• Assures the proper portions of food are delivered to all classrooms.
• Advise parents on the nature of the data being collected and its usage as it relates to transition and services.
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect situations.
• Provides input regarding the budget, which includes allocating of funds for medical, nutritional and dental treatment services, supplies and equipment.
• Completes all written reports necessary i.e., monthly narrative, Head Start
• Ensures that program staff has an initial health examination and periodic checkups as required by state or federal agency health requirements.
• Purchases and distributes medical supplies needed to maintain first aid kits/fanny packs.
• Refers regular volunteers as required by local and state regulations for TB screenings.
• Attends all pre-service, in-service trainings, management meetings, agency events and appropriate professional and educational conferences and meetings to develop and enhance knowledge and skills as requested.
• Assist garnering for in-kind for health/nutrition services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mental Health/Disabilities Specialist
Facilities Specialist
Contracted Services (Nutritionist Consultant