Health Specialist

Position Summary

The Health Specialist ensures the children and families have access to high-quality, comprehensive health services. This includes the coordination and delivery of a wide range of medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services for Head Start and Early Head Start children, including those with disabilities. All services must be provided in alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, as well as all applicable federal, state, and grantee regulations.

• Collaborate with parents to promote the health and well‑being of their children in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Obtain parental consent before screenings and examinations, and maintain documentation of refusals.
• Engage in health education for parents and communicate screening results, along with any required follow‑up actions.
• Assist with outreach and recruitment for program enrollment.

• Assess health needs of children and families, and assist Family Service Specialist in determining eligibility for funding sources like Medicaid or CHIP.
• Assist Family Service Specialist and ensure children are linked to health services and have a 'medical home' and 'dental home' within 30 days.
• Keep children’s medical and dental records up to date and ensure health status is reviewed within 90 days of enrollment.
• Perform health, vision, hearing, and immunization screenings, and coordinate medical and dental examinations.
• Identify health or dental concerns and work with the Health & Nutrition Manager to develop care plans.
• Model health‑related classroom activities and promote early intervention and preventive health services.

• Monitor and facilitate preventive care, treatment, and follow‑up for children’s oral health.
• Ensure children with teeth are assisted in daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

• Review health records of newly enrolled children, interpret medical recommendations, and assist families with understanding them.
• Coordinate with staff when necessary to counsel families on health matters.
• Track children’s health information on database systems and implement follow‑up activities.
• Ensure medical and dental screenings are set up and transportation is provided when necessary.

• Promote health and safety practices and coordinate first aid, sanitation, and emergency medical procedures as needed.

• Have exceptional people skills and customer service. Must have the ability to read and comprehend intermediate to complex instructions. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary to interact with all levels of management, colleagues, and staff to ensure consistency and proper procedure implementation.
• Have advanced technological skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 Application Suite, and client‑tracking software.
• Have effective leadership and organizational skills.
• Problem‑solve effectively and make data‑driven decisions.
• Have familiarity with the Head Start/Early Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Childcare Licensing Standards.
• Promote a harassment‑free environment.
• Be able to work independently or on teams in a challenging work atmosphere.
• Be able to prioritize and balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Plan and complete tasks and assignments on schedule with minimal supervision using appropriate judgment.
• Exercise appropriate judgment, discretion, and maintain the confidentiality of all GCCSA stakeholders.
• Avoid any interest or activity that conflicts with GCCSA’s Standards of Conduct.
• Be experienced in conflict resolution; and
• Work with intentionality and integrity to ethically uphold GCCSA’s mission, values, and goals.

GCCSA’s work locations vary based on the duties and responsibilities of the GCCSA team members (e.g., office, workstation, classroom, food pantry, warehouse, training, and/or counseling rooms).…