Health Services Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Educare Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare Lincoln is to help young children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community. The EHS program (ages 6 weeks to 3 years) and the preschool program (ages 3 years to 5 years) promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families.

The Health Services Coordinator works directly with families and teachers to coordinate health services to children enrolled in the Educare program. Duties include the implementation and monitoring of health & safety practices and the food services program. The Health Services Coordinator is also responsible for providing formal and informal training to Educare staff and families.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Involvement in Family and Community Partnerships

• Ensure parent participation in planning, implementing, and evaluating applicable health, safety, and nutrition services for their child(ren) in the center.
• Provide health, safety and/or nutrition-related training opportunities for families.
• Obtain and disseminate medical information from the medical community regarding health care issues, or illness notifications.
• Be the primary point of contact for on-site regulatory inspections or audits related to health, safety or nutrition services.
• Participate in community planning and developing collaborative relationships with community-based service providers.
• Participate in community-based and/or Educare-based health, safety and/or nutrition committees to promote program services and help connect families to needed resources.
• Identify services currently available to families in need.
• Ensure all enrolled children have a medical and dental home; receive and document comprehensive well-baby and well-child checks and immunizations records.
• Represent Educare Lincoln at community events in a positive and professional manner.

Coordination of Safety Practices

• In conjunction with program and partner staff, ensure that the program establishes and maintains policies and procedures regarding the following:
  1. Responses to medical and dental health emergencies.
  2. Conditions of short-term exclusion and the requirements for re-admittance.
  3. Medication administration, handling and storage.
  4. Injury prevention and safety awareness and practices.
  5. Hygiene and sanitation.
  6. First aid kit availability and inventory management.

Coordination of Child Nutrition Services

• In conjunction with the Kitchen Coordinator and Health, Nutrition, and Safety Manager, ensure adherence to the following practices and regulations:
  1. Ensure the ongoing compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP.)
  2. Assist with quarterly CACFP audits and any necessary action plans.
• In conjunction with Health, Nutrition, and Safety Manager, collaborate and oversee the day-to-day operations of the nutrition department, including menu planning, suggesting process improvements and ensuring appropriate staff coverage as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date information log on children with food allergies, and ensure substitutions are provided according to individual food allergy action plan and in accordance with physician orders and CACFP requirements.

Coordination of Child Health and Developmental Services

• Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team that completes/reviews medical needs for enrolled children.
• Collaborate with other key staff to communicate with and assist parents with follow-up and coordinating treatment for health and dental needs.
• Provide or coordinate formal and/or informal training and/or consultation to Educare staff regarding health-related practices. Training includes CPR, First Aide, Administration of Medication, Childhood Illness, and Exclusion Policies.
• Train and monitor staff to ensure compliance with Head Start health/safety standards, licensing, and CACFP requirements.
• Maintain child medical records and document services provided within the online database.
• Prepare and submit immunization reports on all enrolled children to the State of Nebraska as required by licensing.

Other

• Perform other duties as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Human Services, Human Sciences, Public Health, or other healthcare-related field.
• Minimum two years of experience working with families in a coaching/advocacy capacity required, preferably within a school or healthcare environment.
• Program management and supervision experience preferred.
• Training in The Five Rights of Medication Administration required within the first month of hire.
• Driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required.
• Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of child care state licensing requirements, or willingness and ability to learn.
• Compliance with all required confidentiality regulations.
• Ability to build collaborative and supportive relationships with staff and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, compassion, and empathy.
• Knowledge of health-related community resources and services.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
• Ability to perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment including, but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
• Proficiency with Google Suite products, such as Google Docs, Google Drive, Sheets, and Gmail.
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with children, which requires walking or running quickly, kneeling or sitting on the floor, bending and lifting, and walking over rough or uneven ground in and outside of the facility.