Health Specialist

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

Health Specialist | Full-Time | Year-Round | Jersey City, NJ

Help Shape Healthy Futures

At Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) , every child deserves a healthy start-and every family deserves the support to thrive. Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs go beyond preparing children for kindergarten. We provide comprehensive services that strengthen families through early childhood education, health and nutrition services, parent education, family counseling, financial empowerment, and more.

We're seeking a compassionate, organized, and experienced Health Specialist to lead and support our health services team. If you're passionate about pediatrics and community health, enjoy mentoring others, and want your work to have a lasting impact on children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join GBCA?

At GBCA, you'll do more than provide healthcare support-you'll help build stronger families and healthier communities. As a Health Specialist, you'll:

• Lead a dedicated team committed to children's health and wellness
• Build meaningful relationships with children, families, educators, and community healthcare partners
• Grow your leadership skills in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Make a lasting difference in the lives of children ages 0-5 during their most critical years of development

What You'll Do

As a Health Specialist, you'll oversee health services across multiple program sites while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations. Responsibilities include:

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Health Assistants while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Support children's physical, social, emotional, and developmental well-being through comprehensive health services.
• Assist the Directors of Health and Professional Development with health education and staff training initiatives.
• Maintain ongoing communication with leadership regarding health services, compliance, and emerging concerns.
• Coordinate and monitor health screenings, immunizations, medical records, and Program Information Report (PIR) data.
• Ensure children's health records are complete, accurate, and maintained according to program requirements.
• Schedule and coordinate CPR and First Aid training sessions and maintain training documentation.
• Conduct intake assessments and review children's medical histories prior to enrollment.
• Collaborate with Food & Nutrition staff to implement food allergies and medical nutrition protocols.
• Maintain updated Medical Emergency Forms and medication administration records.
• Monitor medical, dental, hearing, vision, and immunization compliance while coordinating follow-up with families.
• Develop referral procedures and coordinate medical record transfers to public schools.
• Partner with local medical and dental providers to expand access to quality healthcare services.
• Participate in health fairs, family events, field trips, and back-to-school activities as needed.
• Conduct parent consultations and provide health education to families.
• Ensure monthly safety drills are completed at all program sites.
• Participate in administrative meetings, professional development, and staff training.
• Train newly hired nursing staff as assigned.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a healthcare professional who combines their clinical knowledge with leadership and a passion for serving children and families.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)
• Experience in public health, community health, and/or school nursing
• Previous supervisory or administrative experience preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Proficiency with computers and electronic recordkeeping systems
• English proficiency (written and verbal) required
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Valid New Jersey driver's license preferred with the ability to travel locally using a personal vehicle

Benefits Include:

• Paid time off includes: Vacation, Agency Holidays, and Sick time.
• Comprehensive Healthcare - Medical via an ICHRA model, dental and vision coverage
• Term Life Insurance - One-time annual salary
• Flexible Savings Plan Participation
• Retirement Plan Accounts with employer match
• Employer Assistance Plan and an organization focused on staff wellness
• Friendly and collegiate work environment

Make a Difference Every Day

If you're ready to combine your nursing expertise with leadership, education, and community impact, we invite you to join the GBCA Head Start team.

Apply today and help give children the healthy start they deserve while empowering families for lifelong success.