Head Start Child Health & Development Specialist

Up to $1,000 paid in hiring incentives! Aside from a highly rewarding job and competitive salary, we offer a strong benefits package, which includes: a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions; full health, dental and vision insurance coverage; up to 21 days paid vacation and 21 days paid sick leave; all State and Federal holidays; group term life insurance; AFLAC supplemental benefits; a flexible spending account; employee assistance program support; and potential higher education tuition assistance. For more information, please visit https://www.hcapweb.org/hcap-employment/ **All interested applicants must submit an HCAP employment application along with their resume** ====================================== INTRODUCTION The Head Start Child Health and Development Specialist (CHDS) works as part of the Head Start and Early Head Start multidisciplinary team and in collaboration with parents, staff, community and agency educators to promote the acquiring of skills necessary in their learning environments (home and school) for children and families to be successful in preparing for school readiness and as lifetime citizens. This includes; but is not limited to engaging in activities which promote health education and prevention through the advocacy and promotion of evidence based healthy practices, health literacy, and overall well-being of children and families (health, child and family safety, financial literacy, and mental wellness). The CHDS ensures that all health requirements for enrolled children and pregnant women meet the requirements for enrollment, continued compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), State Department of Health (DOH) requirements, and the Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing requirements. Additionally, the CHDS will work within the multidisciplinary team and community partners to explore current medical, dental, and mental health trends and issues in children’s health; working towards developing new, alternative methods of helping children and families improve and cope with overall health and well-being which incorporate developmental, cultural, and linguistically appropriate approaches. CORE COMPETENCIES 1. Communication - Must be able to communicate and work effectively with people of diverse social, economic and racial backgrounds. Must have the ability to read and write English at a post-secondary level. 2. Teamwork – Has the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team and as appropriate as a team leader. Demonstrates interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together. 3. Problem Solving – Has the ability to systematically identify and define a problem, determines the cause of the problem, identify, and prioritize and select alternatives for a solution, and implement a “best fit” solution 4. Build Collaborative Relationships/Teamwork – Develops and maintains win/win relationships and partnerships. The ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. 5. Decision Making/Problem Solving/Analytical Ability – Able to make difficult and appropriate decision in a timely manner. 6. Self Development – Has the ability to demonstrate self-initiative and motivation for continuous learning, personal development and personal growth. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following: Ensure that all children enrolled through Head Start and/or Early Head Start program meet enrollment requirements and monitor continued health compliance per the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements, as it also aligns with agency, state, and federal requirements (DHS, DOH, OHS) Perform direct health services, such as screenings, assessments, and/or administration of medication; providing necessary referrals to parents when additional evaluation is needed. Contact and collaborate with medical/dental providers and partners in obtaining health documents to address children that have special dietary challenges and/or medical conditions that may requires restrictions/accommodations and support child’s health compliance with the program Maintain accurate health documents and consistent documentation/case notes regarding all communication and contact with providers, parents, and staff regarding a child’s health within the data management system Collaborate and provide guidance to Family Advocates and teaching staff by providing health education workshops and/or health literacy and resources to parent committees, policy council, children, and families in an effort to meet health requirements in a timely manner Collaborate with site supervisors and program managers in partnering with community agencies to implement health projects, pilot studies, and trainings for children, families, and staff Assist in the maintenance of child health files and other materials for quality assurance monitoring and review Using the ASQ and ASQSE; collaboratively identify developmental and behavioral needs of children providing additional support through intervention plans and consistent monitoring; assist children and families in overcoming delays and possible barriers to learning to support child/family successes in school, home, and community Assist with attendance of Part C and IEP meetings Assist families in making referrals to appropriate community agencies, and collaborates with those agencies to meet the needs of the families and children Review all IEP’s at enrollment to assist in determining appropriate program options, and assist in coordinating with LEA to ensure children’s needs are met; coordinates with LEA to ensure children’s needs are addressed Work collaboratively with Family Advocates in the recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities (IEPs) and meeting the 10% mandate Work collaboratively with the Comprehensive Services Managers to assist and provide support to families in the IEP referral process with LEA Maintain records and prepare weekly/monthly reports from Child Plus in tracking the progress of IEPs, referrals, and behavioral health and intervention efforts Provide comprehensive wellness activities, trainings, resources for staff, children, and families Assist as needed; to the Comprehensive Services Manager and Teacher Mentors in providing support to staff to ensure emotional support for children (SECOND STEP and CLASS dimensions) for positive/ negative climate, teacher sensitivity, and regard for student perspectives through classroom visitations and training; support families to strengthen nurturing and supportive environment and relationships at home Provide guidance to staff in meeting CACFP policies and procedures and Head Start regulations, maintaining accurate records and reports Assist in conducting CACFP meal service review for both Head Start and Early Head Start programs; including menu review and food service; work collaboratively with the Comprehensive Services Manager and Health Team to ensure all meal reviews are completed and monitored in a timely manner Attend and participate on Health Advisory Committee; collaborating and maintaining partnerships with community health agencies and partners Participate in monitoring of all health records and data analysis for program reports, service, planning, improvements, and training; submitting monthly reports, as required to show progress Keep records, writes reports, analyzes data, maintains confidentiality of records Perform other related duties as assigned or required EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES; in addition to above duties, also includes the following: Provide health education and support to both prenatal women and their children and monitor continued health compliance per the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements, as it also aligns with agency, state, and federal requirements (DHS, DOH, OHS) Direct, monitor, track, and report the timely delivery of medical, dental, physical, and mental health services to EHS pregnant women and EHS children; ensuring compliance with regulatory timelines as it aligns with HSPPS Collaborate and coordinate with EHS Home Visitors to conduct individualized prenatal and postnatal education and planning; including Prenatal and Postpartum Depression Screening Implement high quality prenatal curriculum that is individually, ethically, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and responsive to the needs of each pregnant woman, and includes education on fetal development, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, and the benefits of breastfeeding Collaborate with the EHS Home Visitor to conduct a prenatal health education visits; as well as, postpartum visits within two weeks of infant’s birth to assess well-being of mother and child; including Postpartum Depression Screening Collaborate with the EHS Home Visitor to conduct scheduled Well Baby Check Home Visits that coincide with EPSDT periodicity schedule, in an effort to provide parent with health education, resources, and information on age- appropriate and early preventative health/dental care; including immunization schedule MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, Human Development, Family Studies, Human Services, Psychology or other closely related field is minimally required. A master’s degree in Special Education or related field is preferred. Child Development Specialist certification preferred. EXPERIENCE Two (2) years working directly with children and families providing services in a social service capacity or related field, with case management experience; OR two years in the capacity of a Head Start position working with children and families with experience supporting children and families in meeting school readiness goals, working with children with disabilities (IEP/IFSP), and direct case management experience. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, government agencies, and the general public REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Must have a valid Hawaii driver’s license and daily access to an automobile that is properly licensed and insured Must show evidence of current physical examination and TB test at time of employment Must furnish proof of recent State of Hawaii “Criminal History Record Clearance” and FBI fingerprint check DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Knowledge of the characteristics of low-income areas and community resources on Oahu Able to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, government agencies and the general public REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Knowledge in child development for children ages birth to 5 years old preferred Understanding of Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Periodicity Schedule for children ages birth to 5 years old Must be able to communicate effectively with people of diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds Knowledge of the multi-ethnic cultures common to Oahu Able to operate personal computer using word processing/database management and spreadsheet applications SPECIFIC SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Ability to provide training to staff and other professionals regarding mental health issues Ability to assist families in understanding mental health issues and to participate in interventions with their children, as needed Ability to administer mental health screenings/assessments, interpret results and develop a behavioral support/intervention plan, or IEP as needed Knowledge of data collection techniques and appropriate means for monitoring children’s progress Ability to provide consultative support to staff working with children and families to help strengthen nurturing environments and relationships Ability to work collaboratively with the Head Start multidisciplinary team to coordinate services for children and families Ability to collaborate with community agencies and coordinate services for families around mental health issues Job Type: Full-time Pay: $41,310.36 - $82,641.48 per year Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Experience: Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person