Child Wellness Specialist na ECS4KIDS

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Child Wellness Specialist is responsible for supporting the social-emotional, and developmental needs of children enrolled in Head Start programs. This role integrates mental health consultation, behavioral intervention, and disability services to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and to promote inclusive, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate practices. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Health and Nutrition Services 

• Provide ongoing support and technical assistance to staff and families in all areas of health, nutrition, and safety. 
• Coordinate and conduct health and nutrition screenings; ensure timely referrals and follow-up services. 
• Monitor and document health and nutrition needs, including medication administration and special dietary requirements. 
• Develop and deliver health and nutrition education materials and training for staff, families, and children. 
• Support the implementation of policies and procedures related to medical emergencies, hygiene, sanitation, and safe practices. 
• Participate in case management meetings and file reviews for assigned centers. 
• Monitor accident and illness trends and provide training as needed. 
• Assist in coordinating dental services and follow-up care. 
• Support ECS4Kids staff in maintaining CPR compliance and other health certifications. 

Disability Services 

• Ensure compliance with IDEA and Head Start requirements for children with disabilities. 
• Screen children for developmental delays and coordinate referrals for evaluations. 
• Collaborate with families, LEAs, and Early Intervention programs to develop and monitor IEPs. 
• Support inclusive classroom practices by developing Individual Classroom Plans (ICPs) and modeling accommodations. 
• Coordinate transitions for children with disabilities between Early Head Start and Head Start, if applicable. 

Collaboration & Compliance 

• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in Child Plus and other systems. 
• Participate in inter-agency meetings, advisory committees, and professional development. 
• Ensure compliance with Head Start standards, including suspension/expulsion policies and data reporting. 

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.) 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Health Administration or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong understanding of early childhood development, including typical and atypical patterns. 
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and services related to child health, nutrition, and disabilities. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with families, staff, and community partners in a professional and supportive manner. 
• Skilled in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple responsibilities independently. 
• Demonstrated emotional maturity, sound judgment, and a commitment to child and family well-being. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data systems (e.g., Child Plus); able to maintain accurate and confidential records. 
• Capable of building positive relationships and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams. 

CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years. 
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. 
• 15 hours of annual training?(January–December) 
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage 
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Work in early childhood classrooms, office settings, and community locations. 
• Local travel to multiple sites required 
• Occasional evening or weekend work 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and stretching required to interact with young children at their level and to support classroom activities. 
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to operate a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office and classroom equipment. 
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing required to observe children’s behavior, assess developmental progress, and communicate effectively with staff and families. 
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively in both one-on-one and group settings, and to write detailed reports, assessments, and documentation. 
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, including lifting children or classroom materials as needed. 
• Comfortable working in a variety of settings including classrooms, offices, and outdoor environments, with the ability to transition between them throughout the day. 
• Capacity to manage emotionally charged situations with professionalism and empathy. 
• Ability to travel locally between program sites, with occasional out-of-town travel for training or meetings.