Head Start Nurse - Part Time

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Provides health education to families through workshops, parent meetings, handouts, etc.
• Utilizes and inputs data in Child Plus or designated HS software program.
• Documents all communication with families in Child Plus or designated HS software.
• Process and maintains individual health records on children. Reviews, evaluates, interprets health records, vital statistics and other data affecting health services.
• Does the following:
• Health Training and Tracking: Documents as required by Performance Standards.
• Health Services Advisory Committee: Facilitates the planning, convening and implementation of policies and/or procedures of the quarterly Health Services Advisory Committee meetings.
• Health Education Curriculum and Child Safety: Knows and implements sections of Performance Standards to include fire drills, first aid kits, medication administration systems and child safety.
• Identifies and is Knowledgeable of Health Resources: Establishes relationships and develops a thorough knowledge of health resources for families including Medicaid, the state CHIP Program, state health services and other community resources that assist families in establishing a medical home.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Performance Standards including specific knowledge of Child safety portion of the Standards.
• Facilitates the screenings, re-screenings and follow-ups for all health and dental services.
• Participates in staffing of children and is responsible for all health recommendations. Attends IEP meetings as requested.
• Serves as a health resource specialist to teachers, staff and FSA.
• Attends any training, workshops and meetings deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Follows the state and federal regulations pertaining to child abuse and neglect and maintains strict confidentiality of all information.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Observes regularly in assigned classrooms and provides consultation related to health, safety and sanitation issues.
• Monitors and maintains contents of classroom first aid kits, assuring appropriate inventories are in compliance with child care licensing and/or other regulatory agencies regarding contents.
• As appropriate, works with Health/Nutrition Coordinator in maintaining an inventory of health and medical supplies and equipment that is checked on a regular basis.
• Monitors all classrooms for compliance with health and safety checklists.
• Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
• Provides resource information to staff and families on an as-needed basis. May assist in providing current health information for the Community Resource Handbook

Training and Supervision

• Provides or arranges training to classroom staff on topics including the health curriculum.
• Provides or arranges training for parents on health and child safety topics.
• Successfully completes and maintains basic First Aid and CPR certifications as required by the program.
• Responsible for understanding regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Conducts the ODH communicable disease, medication administration, blood borne pathogens, universal precautions and child abuse training for HS employees as requested.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meeting and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Work is generally performed in a classroom setting or in an office environment, involving face-to-face communication.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent conferences, Parent Committee meetings, social or community events, etc.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Minimum requirement is an associate degree or higher in nursing plus 2 years health care experience. RN licensure by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing Education and Nursing Registration. Experience working in public health or nutrition arena and working with low-income clients preferred. Experience or knowledge of family strengths/family centered practice preferred. Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification. Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.


Knowledge and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of health, human development, community health, nursing principles, practices and procedures. Knowledge of public health programs and other resources and the availability of such programs in the community. Knowledge of local resources, language and customs helpful. Skill in the operation and maintenance of basic instruments and equipment used in patient care (e.g. items commonly found in a first aid kit). Must be computer literate with skills in the use of basic office software (Microsoft Word). Ability to recognize problems in the area of health and/or child safety. Ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and other agencies. Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluating before making decisions and maintain all information in strict confidence. Able to work effectively in a team environment.