Early Head Start Health Specialist

Location: AIU Central Office, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120.The Early Head Start Health Specialist is responsible for implementing, and monitoring health, nutrition, and safety practices within the Early Head Start program. This position ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and local/state regulations, providing support on health-related issues for children, families, and staff. The EHS Health Specialist collaborates with expectant families, families, health professionals, and community partners to promote comprehensive health and wellness for children ages birth to three.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure the program adheres to all federal, state, and local health and safety regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.

• Oversee health screenings, immunization records, and well-child visits, ensuring that all Early Head Start children receive necessary medical, dental, and developmental screenings.

• Regularly inspect program facilities and classrooms to verify health and safety compliance, making recommendations and implementing corrective actions as needed.
  
  

Child Health Assessment & Monitoring

• Monitor each child's health status and maintain accurate health records, working with staff and families to address health issues that impact attendance and well-being.

• Conduct or coordinate vision, hearing, dental, and other screenings as needed, ensuring follow-up and referrals to health services.

• Assist in the development of individualized health plans for children with special health care needs, collaborating with health professionals and educators to meet each child’s requirements.

• Complete and submit required health reports to the Assistant Director of ECE Health.
  
  

Family Engagement & Education

• Serve as a health resource for families, providing health education and information to support healthy practices at home and connecting families to relevant health resources.

• Organize workshops or informational sessions on topics such as nutrition, oral health, mental health, and preventive care.

• Assist families in identifying a medical provider, dental provider and assisting families with accessing health care.
  
  

Nutrition Services Coordination

• Monitor menus, food service practices, and meal environments to ensure culturally sensitive, healthy meals that meet the developmental needs of young children.

• Provide nutrition education to children and families, encouraging healthy eating habits that promote wellness.
  
  

Staff Training and Development

• Assist the ECE Assistant Director in training and supporting Early Head Start staff on health and safety topics, including emergency response, medication administration, and hygiene practices.

• Stay current with health best practices, policies, and Early Head Start health requirements to ensure program staff are informed of updates.
  
  

Collaboration with Community Health Resources

• Build partnerships with local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to expand access to healthcare and health education for Early Head Start families.

• Coordinate with external health providers for specialized services and maintain a network of resources for referrals.

• Attend community health meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance program services and stay informed of health resources and trends.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Public Health, Health Education, or a related field is required.
  
  

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in health services, preferably within an early childhood or Head Start environment.
  
  

• Strong knowledge of child health and nutrition practices, early childhood development, and Head Start health regulations.
  
  

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  
  

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population of staff, families, and community partners.
  
  

• Proficiency in health data management and documentation.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).

• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

• CPR, First Aid, and other relevant health certifications are required or must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
  
  

Working Conditions:
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.

• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 35 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English-speaking customers
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Early Childhood Education Assistant Director of Health

Department: Early Childhood Education

Position Schedule: Year Round

Salary: Act 93 Grade 13

Benefits: Act 93 Benefits Guide

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site

Please send any questions to: [email protected]

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.