Health Specialist

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for a Health Specialist to join our team.

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Head Start Health Specialist supports the planning, implementation, and monitoring of health services for children and families enrolled in the Head Start Program. Working under the direction of the Health Manager, this position assists in ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to health, safety, and wellness, as well as relevant state (Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care - EEC and Department of Public Health) and local regulations. The Health Specialist will work collaboratively with program staff, families, health professionals, and community partners to promote the optimal health and well-being of Head Start children and their families

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the coordination and completion of required health screenings for enrolled children, including vision, hearing, and developmental screenings, within mandated timelines
• Prepare materials and assist with the scheduling and tracking of health screenings
• Document screening results accurately and maintain organized health records
• Follow up with families to ensure completion of screenings and assist with referrals for identified concerns
• Assist families in accessing necessary medical, dental, and mental health services
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate healthcare providers and community agencies
• Follow up with families and providers to track the status of referrals and ensure children receive needed care
• Document all referral activities and outcomes
• Provide health education to children, families, and staff on topics such as hygiene, safety, nutrition, immunizations, and disease prevention
• Maintain accurate and confidential health records for each child, ensuring all required documentation is complete and up-to-date
• Assist with the preparation of health reports as needed
• Work collaboratively with program staff, including teachers, family advocates, and center directors, to integrate health services into program activities
• Serve as a liaison between the Head Start program and health professionals under the guidance of the Health Manager
• Assist with accommodating children with special dietary needs in collaboration with the Nutritionist
• Coordinate with Nutritionist to review health records, physical documentation and medical assessment to identify and create Individual Health Plan and Individual Nutrition Plans
• Travel between assigned sites as needed to provide direct support, oversight, monitoring, and collaboration to ensure consistent implementation of program operations and services

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Hourly Rate: $30-$35

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency in basic computer applications for data entry and communication
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Ability to lift and carry health screening equipment and materials up to 15 pounds occasionally

Education & Experience

• Certified Medical Assistant OR an associate's degree in nursing, Public Health, Health Education, or a related health field required. Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience in providing health services or working in a health-related field, preferably with young children and families

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.