Porter-Leath - Health, Disabilities and Nutrition Specialist at Porter-Leath

Under the direction of the Health, Disabilities, Nutrition Manager the Health, Disabilities, Nutrition Specialist will coordinate the provision of health, disabilities, mental health, and nutrition services to Porter-Leath Early Head Start, Head Start, ASD and Pre-K children in accordance with established standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related field.
• Three years of experience in planning and implementing health services for children 0-5 years required.
• Experience working with children with disabilities.  
• Knowledge of community resources, school organizations and school programs.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of effective management and supervisory practices and principles.

 Essential Job Functions:

1. Monitor and evaluate files and ChildPlus or other database systems to ensure compliance in the areas of family services, health, nutrition, mental health and disabilities within the Head Start and Pre-K programs to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, TN Department of Human Services, Porter-Leath, the State of TN Health Related Services regulations, CACFP and other standards promulgated for the children in our program(s).
2. Verify file documentation for enrollment and ensure information is up-to-date including physicals and immunizations. 
3. Monitor and review health related data generated from the ChildPlus or other database systems to ensure children with concerns have an ongoing source of continuous health care and access to medical care, follow-up treatment, etc.
4. Arrange for health screenings (i.e. vision, dental, mental health, nutrition).  Review screening results and assist with developing and implementing follow-up plans.  Work with staff to promote parent engagement in the delivery of health services for their children.  Provide oversight and documentation of medication administration.
5. Provide oversight and coordination of the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee in collaboration with other Early Childhood programs and community agencies.
6. Build community partnerships to enhance services to families.
7. Inform community about services provided by Porter-Leath Early Childhood program(s).  Assist in orientation of new enrollees. 
8. Assist with and attend staff in-service, training, meetings and community partner and/or delegate meetings as required. 
9. Make referrals to the Local Education Agencies (LEA) and maintain close contact with the LEA’s Therapist and Grantee staff as required in coordinating enrollment and disability services for children.  Consult with staff, parents, and the LEA’s for development of an IFSP or IEP based upon the child’s eligibility requirements.
10. Perform or arrange for developmental screenings for children within 45 days of enrollment to determine need for further evaluation as necessary.  Discuss results with designated staff.  Make referrals to Memphis Shelby County Schools or other service providers when necessary. 
11. Maintain close contact with LEA Service Coordinators.  Obtain diagnostic report(s) and confirmation(s) of the disability condition of a child from the appropriate professional(s).  Support staff in meeting children’s special needs in the classroom.  Consult with staff, parents and the LEA representative for development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or IFSP (for Early Head Start) for each qualifying child.  Participate in conferences with teaching staff for children involved in disabilities services.  Consult with staff and parents on progress of the disabilities services and the individual children in the program.  Participate in transition meetings and aid in development of the IEP and/or IFSP.  Conduct mental health observations and train staff to meet mental health needs of children.
12. Provide technical assistance and training to staff on child health and safety.
13. Assist with the timely completion of professional, accurate and thorough progress reports including monthly reports on health, nutrition and disabilities services.
14. Assist with planning/coordinating transition activities to assist families in making a smooth transition to Head Start or Kindergarten, as appropriate for child’s age.
15. In collaboration with parents and the family service staff, complete individual health care plans, nutrition plans and emergency plans for children with chronic health conditions.
16. Monitor and maintain the preparation of health records and interpret health records and other data affecting health services to assess needs. 
17. Establish a system for in-house medical and dental screenings by ensuring children have a medical or dental home to receive follow up services beyond initial screening. 
18. Ensure that all children obtain mental health, nutrition and medical/dental screenings.
19. Review and assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining service delivery systems to meet overall program goals and objectives for delivery and documentation of all health, mental health disability and nutrition services for Porter-Leath Head Start, Pre-K, and/or Child Care program(s).
20. Coordinate nutrition education and training in health, mental health, dental and safety for Porter-Leath Head Start staff and parents.
21. Communicate programmatic issues with Supervisor.
22. Attend conferences and meetings for professional development.
23. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel.  Occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required: close and color vision.  Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions:

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.