Health Advocate

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider”
HEALTH ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

Base Pay Rate: $16.20

40 hours/week

200 days/year

Job Summary:
This role is responsible for collaborating with the Director of Health Services to implement and oversee key health components within WCFD Early Childhood Programs, including general health, oral health, health education, and nutrition. This position will closely with staff and families to ensure that all children and pregnant women (if applicable) receive optimal healthcare services in compliance with State Statutes and Head Start Performance Standards.

Duties/Responsibilities:
All duties will comply with all rules, regulations, and practices of the agency and its regulating authorities. WCFD standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.

• Provide emergency care/first aid as needed to students and staff at the worksite.
• Ensure all children receive the required health services:
  • Health history, physical exams, and necessary follow-up
  • Oral health exams and follow-up care
  • Health, Vision, speech, hearing, and developmental screenings
  • Immunizations including documentation of current status, catch up plans, or exemptions.
  • Proper nutrition, in line with Performance Standards and Wyoming Department of Health guidelines
• Ensure all Early Head Start pregnant women receive prenatal care, including:
  • Regular medical care
  • Oral health exams
  • Prenatal classes
• Collaborate with Center Director, Teachers, Family Support Providers, Therapists, and Family Advocates on:
  • Health data tracking (immunization summaries, fluoride, USDA applications)
  • First aid/CPR training for staff
  • Completing Health Safety Checklists
  • Parent contacts and home visits
  • Managing health concerns and overseeing individual care plans
• Participate in health assessments and screenings, ensuring timely completion in coordination with Family Advocates and Center Directors.
• Attend Child & Family Staffing for children with health concerns.
• Assist with nutrition/health education in classrooms and provide training on recognizing childhood illnesses.
• Act as liaison between the medical community and WCFD, building strong relationships and supporting Health Services Advisory Committee meetings.
• Assist Center Director with Safety and Emergency Preparedness requirements.
• Perform periodic file reviews.
• Promote positive public relations within the work setting and community.
• Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Attend all required training sessions and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board or its designee.

• Must be able to work well with children (birth through 5 years of age), including those with special needs, and their families.
• Proficient in engaging a diverse range of families, fathers, partners, grandparents, and any significant figures in a child’s education.
• Skilled in interacting with and engaging both children and adults in a positive manner.
• Knowledgeable about community resources and services, or able to acquire this knowledge, to provide families with relevant information and referrals to address their needs and challenges.
• Reliable,organized,and detail oriented
• Must possess strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with individuals with diverse ranges of personalities, backgrounds, and knowledge bases
• Strong communication skills are essential to interact with staff, children, families, and the broader community.
• Must have effective stress management strategies and the…