Careers

Description:

Scope

Child Development Department staff support the Neighborhood House mission framework and Strategic Plan by contributing to the school readiness of low-income children and supporting their parents, care givers and community. The primary responsibility of Health Specialist is to support both classroom services and family engagement by building children’s social competency and supporting parent engagement.

At Neighborhood House we have a deep commitment to our employee’s and client’s diverse experiences and backgrounds that guides our work for a more equitable future. We are seeking a team member that represents our dedication to service, equity and inclusion, to join our diverse team.

Responsibilities

Program Planning, Design and Implementation

• Document service delivery to families through regular and accurate data entry in the department’s electronic case management system (ChildPlus).
• Complete all required program reports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Implement a process of on-going monitoring to assure initial health exams, ongoing health needs, and health supports are being conducted in accordance with the program’s policies, procedures and timeliness.
• Advise the Health Services Director of changing demographics, community needs, and resources to ensure the program can continuously evolve to meet the needs of the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Promote and Support School Readiness and Family Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with families (in person, via phone, and electronically) and document communication in the department’s electronic case management system (ChildPlus).
• Assist families with the coordination health, mental health, and nutrition resources.
• Work with families to ensure that children are receiving the ongoing health care needed to be successful in school, including physical health, oral health, mental health and nutrition services.
• Assist families in identifying medical and dental homes and arranging regular, ongoing preventative health care appointments as needed. When treatment is needed, support families in arranging for follow up care.
• Administer health and development screenings to children in accordance with department policies and procedures; communicate results to families and assists them in determining next steps for their child.
• Share knowledge about the program’s health and nutrition education with families.
• Participate in meetings with department staff for the purpose of case managing services to families.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Credential or certification in health, social work, human services, family services or related field.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and considerable self-direction.
• Ability to communicate effectively and relate sensitively to adults and children from diverse ethnic and socio-economic groups.
• Proficiency in oral and written English language.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, receive and provide feedback, and manage dynamic interchanges in meetings
• Possess working knowledge of various computer software such as Word and Excel.
• Willingness to comply with the established agency performance standards which may include: productivity/personal responsibility, client/customer service-orientation, embracing a team player orientation, entrepreneurialism, and maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Willingness to comply with Head Start/ECEAP Standards of Conduct by promoting the unique identity of each child and family; conforming with program confidentiality; following child supervision and guidance policies; and refraining from soliciting or accepting personal gratuities, favors, or anything of significant monetary value from contractors or potential contractors.
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel independently to Child Development service sites.
• Establish a professional development plan and participate in ongoing professional development.
• First Aid Certification (within 30 days of hire).
• CPR Certification (within 30 days of hire).
• Sexual Harassment Training within 30 days of hire.
• Current Food Handlers certificate within 30 days of employment (maintain current certificate during employment).
• Current Blood Borne Pathogens training certificate within 30 days of employment (maintain current certificate during employment).
• Child Abuse and Neglect training (within 2 weeks of hire).
• Current Health Exam, Tuberculosis Screening, and record of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination or immunity (must be obtained prior to employment).
• Department of Early Learning portable background check
• Must pass Neighborhood House’s Background Check Requirements.
• Position requires Washington State bi-annual criminal background re-check.
• The usual methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 45% walking, and 45% standing.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, social services, or a related field.
• Familiarity with early childhood education practices and principles.
• Bilingual ability (English/Somali preferred).
• Current or former Head Start and Early Head Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.