Nurse Consultant

Nurse Consultant

The Nurse Consultant provides professional nursing consultation and support to the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The Nurse Consultant works collaboratively with program staff and families to promote the health, safety, and well-being of enrolled children, ensure compliance with health requirements, and support children with identified health needs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide or coordinate medication administration training for program staff.
• Monitor medication administration practices, medication storage, handling procedures, and medication records through regular site visits.
• Develop, implement, review, and maintain Individual Health Plans (IHPs) for children with identified health concerns.
• Ensure Individual Health Plans are communicated to staff and families and that appropriate training needs are identified and addressed.
• Maintain tracking systems related to Individual Health Plans and health-related follow-up activities.
• Conduct and support child health screenings and assessments, including height, weight, head circumference, blood pressure, tuberculosis risk assessments, lead risk assessments, and hearing and vision screenings as appropriate.
• Monitor ongoing medical and dental follow-up and treatment for enrolled children.
• Collaborate with Health Services staff and Family Support Specialists to support families in obtaining recommended health and dental services.
• Review physical examinations, health documentation, and screening results to determine compliance with age-appropriate health requirements and recommendations.
• Review health histories for newly enrolled children and recommend appropriate follow-up actions when necessary.
• Assist program staff in identifying and implementing accommodations necessary to support children with chronic health conditions and special healthcare needs.
• Provide or coordinate specialized health-related training for staff to meet the needs of individual children.
• Review immunization records to verify compliance with age-appropriate immunization requirements and utilize applicable state systems to verify records.
• Assist program staff and families in addressing immunization concerns, delays, exemptions, and follow-up requirements.
• Review dental examination records and assist with ensuring appropriate follow-up treatment is obtained when needed.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, dental providers, clinics, and community partners to support program health objectives.
• Participate in the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) and other health-related meetings to support program planning and implementation.
• Provide health education, training, consultation, and resources to staff and families as needed.
• Support home-based and center-based program staff in communicating health information to families and ensuring children's health needs are appropriately addressed.
• Support compliance with applicable Head Start, Early Head Start, and Illinois DCFS health and nursing consultation requirements.
• Conduct classroom monitoring activities related to health and safety practices, including handwashing, diapering, sanitation, and infection control procedures.
• Participate in Children's Place quality assurance initiatives as needed to improve service quality and ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and contractual standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by program leadership.

Other Expectations

The Nurse Consultant shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., children, families, co-workers, and community partners) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on religious, marital, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation, or other differences. The Nurse Consultant shares responsibility for creating and maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment.

Education, Skills, and/or Experience

• Current Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
• Minimum of two years of nursing experience required; pediatric, public health, school health, or early childhood experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child health, immunizations, medication administration, and health and safety practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic recordkeeping systems preferred.