Summary:
The Health Services Coordinator is responsible for supporting the delivery, coordination, documentation, and follow-up of comprehensive health services for children enrolled in the Early Head Start and Head Start Programs. This position works collaboratively with the Health and Nutrition Manager, Family Advocates, teaching staff, Center Managers, families, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure children receive timely and appropriate medical, dental, developmental, and health-related services.
The Health Services Coordinator is responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential health records, monitoring required screenings and follow-up services, identifying health-related needs, supporting the development and implementation of individualized health plans, and promoting practices that support the health, safety, and well-being of children.
The successful candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, sound judgment, organization, professionalism, and the ability to complete assignments accurately and within established timelines. This position reports to the Health and Nutrition Manager.
- Collaborate with Family Advocates to obtain and maintain complete medical, dental, developmental, immunization, and other health-related histories for enrolled children.
- Coordinate and monitor required health screenings, examinations, referrals, and follow-up services for enrolled children.
- Assume primary responsibility for health-related tracking and follow-up, including dental screenings and examinations, physical examinations, immunizations, special health needs, and other required services.
- Identify health concerns and assist families in accessing appropriate healthcare providers and community resources.
- Complete vision screenings for enrolled children within 45 days of entry, as required.
- Measure and document children's height and weight at least twice during the program year.
- Observe children in classroom settings to identify potential health and safety concerns and communicate observations to appropriate program staff.
- Collaborate with the Health and Nutrition Manager to identify children's health needs and ensure appropriate health care plans are developed, documented, implemented, and maintained in the child's record.
- Monitor health care plans and follow up with teaching teams and Center Managers to ensure recommended services and accommodations are implemented.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential health records and documentation in accordance with program requirements.
- Maintain tracking systems for health screenings, examinations, referrals, immunizations, follow-up services, and health care plans.
- Assist with the coordination of health-related services for children with identified special health needs.
- Collaborate with the Health and Nutrition Manager to plan, coordinate, and facilitate health and safety training for staff, families, volunteers, and children.
- Assist with coordinating required First Aid and Infant/Child CPR training.
- Support staff training on topics such as Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), handwashing, diapering procedures, infection prevention, and other required health and safety topics.
- Participate in applicable state, federal, and local trainings and professional development opportunities.
- Maintain professional competency through continuing education and training relevant to the position.
- Maintain health records and documentation in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and agency policies.
- Assist with the completion and maintenance of the Program Information Report (PIR) and other required program reports.
- Establish and monitor systems that support quality health services and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable DCDEE requirements.
- Assist with maintaining adequate medical, dental, first aid, and health-related supplies.
- Maintain documentation of required screenings, examinations, referrals, follow-up activities, and health outcomes.
- Ensure health-related documentation is accurate, complete, confidential, and maintained within established timelines.
- Report suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment in accordance with applicable laws, Head Start requirements, and agency policies and procedures.
- Adhere to the Agency Code of Conduct, Active Supervision Policy, and all applicable agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of children's, families', and employees' protected and sensitive information.
- Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with families, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other service partners.
- Provide families with information regarding available health services, resources, referrals, and follow-up requirements.
- Work collaboratively with Family Advocates, Center Managers, teaching staff, and other program personnel to address children's health needs.
- Support center-based recruitment and enrollment activities as assigned.
- Assist in identifying and supporting parent and community volunteers.
- Promote family engagement in children's health, wellness, and developmental needs.
- Work effectively as part of an agency-wide team and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
- Promote a positive image of the Agency by demonstrating professionalism and maintaining a strong understanding of available program services.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Attend staff meetings, program meetings, conferences, and trainings as required.
- Maintain professional relationships with community partners and service providers.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
The Health Services Coordinator is expected to:
- Comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Comply with DCDEE requirements and applicable health and safety regulations.
- Follow all agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Comply with the Agency Code of Conduct Policy.
- Follow the Agency's Active Supervision Policy.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policies and applicable privacy requirements.
- Report suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment as required by law and agency policy.
- Maintain required professional training and certifications.
- Participate in monitoring, quality improvement, and corrective action activities related to health services, as applicable.
- Maintain professional competency through continuing education, training, conferences, workshops, and other professional development activities.
- Maintain all required training hours and certifications.
- Attend out-of-town conferences, workshops, or training sessions as required.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, accountability, and sound judgment.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, employees, and community partners.
- Respond appropriately and professionally to sensitive or stressful situations.
- Maintain awareness of current practices, regulations, and requirements applicable to Head Start health services.
- Bachelor's degree in a health, human services, nursing, public health, child development, or closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Two years of experience in healthcare, public health, child health, early childhood, Head Start, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with children and families preferred.
- Experience coordinating health screenings, referrals, documentation, or related services preferred.
- Valid North Carolina driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Ability and willingness to travel between agency locations, community resources, healthcare providers, and other program-related sites.
- Master's degree in a health, public health, human services, or related field.
- Experience working in an Early Head Start or Head Start program.
- Experience working with children with special health needs.
- Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, particularly conversational Spanish.
- Strong knowledge of health and wellness practices applicable to young children.
- Knowledge of health screening, referral, documentation, and follow-up processes.
- Knowledge of applicable Head Start health requirements and early childhood health and safety practices.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
- Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment when addressing health and safety concerns.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, policies, regulations, and program requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to learn and effectively use agency databases, HRIS/program systems, electronic records systems, and other technology platforms.
- Proficiency using computers, mobile devices, scanners, copiers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners.
- Ability to understand and respect cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and individual differences.
- Ability to remain professional, objective, and composed in stressful situations.
- Ability to work outside normal business hours when necessary to meet program or agency needs.
The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The position may require the ability to:
- Sit and stand for extended periods.
- Walk throughout classrooms, centers, offices, and community locations.
- Bend, stoop, twist, reach, grasp, and kneel as needed.
- Lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment.
- Carry and transport supplies weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Perform repetitive computer and keyboard activities.
- Write and complete documentation manually or electronically.
- Use telephones, computers, mobile devices, scanners, copiers, fax machines, and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with children, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners.
- Visually review documents, records, and small print.
- Distinguish basic colors and demonstrate adequate depth perception.
- Hear and distinguish normal sounds, including in environments with moderate background noise.
- Speak clearly and communicate effectively in English.
Employment and continued employment are contingent upon the employee's ability to meet applicable agency and regulatory requirements, which may include:
- Successful completion and maintenance of required criminal background checks.
- Completion of an initial physical examination, as required.
- Completion of required annual health questionnaires.
- Completion of tuberculosis (TB) screening/testing in accordance with applicable agency and regulatory requirements.
- Obtaining and maintaining current First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification within 90 days of hire, unless otherwise required.
- Maintaining a valid North Carolina driver's license.
- Maintaining the ability to travel between agency locations, community resources, healthcare providers, and other program-related locations.
- Completion of all required agency, Head Start, state, and program-specific training.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned as organizational and program needs change.
Family Services, Inc. is committed to a diverse and drug-free workforce. EOE
Family Services, Inc. values flexibility and the willingness to take on new challenges. As opportunities arise and work responsibilities change, your job description will be adjusted to meet the organization’s needs.
Job Responsibilities
The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential responsibilities of the job and should not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. Family Services, Inc. reserves the right to revise the job duties and responsibilities at any time with or without notice, based on the needs of the organization.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Family Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. Family Services, Inc. shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
