Health Services Assistant

Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: ABCD Central Office

Compensation: $22.59 / hour

Description

The Health Services Assistant is responsible for maintaining up-to-date records for each child while performing service tasks related to health and nutrition needs.
The Health Services Assistant is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community. 
This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures. 
All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G.  Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.
The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Essential Duties

Case Management Responsibilities (Up to 40%)

• Document results of screenings and assessments for Health and Nutrition Services Managers and parents. 
• Work with families in seeking out health and nutrition consent forms for children in their respective caseload.
• Coordinate, organize and share with Health and Nutrition Services Managers and Program Director information received to ensure 100% of information gathered is accurate.
• Work with staff to ensure that children and related family members without medical coverage receive services that are needed.
• Monitor, conduct inventory, and restore first aid supplies for classrooms.
• Collaborate with other component staff and the larger health community to assist with referrals and follow up on health and nutrition services. 

Utilize Information and Technical Systems (Up to 50%)

• Maintain and monitor children’s physical and digital files with  all health and nutrition related data, including but not limited to consent forms, physical exam, oral health, vaccination and laboratory results;
• Maintain statistical data as requested by the ABCD Head Start administration and in accordance with federal and state regulations;
• Maintain and document ongoing contact with local programs through phone and site visits, through case notes, emails, etc;
• Monitor and track follow-up needs, and any concerns for all assigned programs;

Additional Job Responsibilities (Up to 10%)

• Assist with administrative needs as requested; 
• Attend and participate in required community activities, meetings, trainings on and off site, some during evening hours; 
• Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills; 
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Demonstrate a knowledge of and sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served;
• Ability to deal with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner;
• Knowledge of neighborhoods served by programs and city-wide services relevant to the programs population; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills;
• Successful experience in working as a member of an interdisciplinary team;
• Keyboarding skills, computer literacy and familiarity with various applications such as database, word processing, e-mail and internet; 
• Proven ability to keep accurate written records and documentation;
• Possess bilingual ability where appropriate.  Translates as necessary or when needed; 
• Ability to maintain knowledge of all federal, state, city and program laws, regulations, standards and policies.

Professionalism

• Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills;
• Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families;
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS & CONDITIONS:

• Frequent local traveling for program needs and on and off-site trainings;
• Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child's needs;
• Lift and move infant to preschool age children;
• Lift items based on program administration needs;
• Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision;
• Must be able to balance and prioritize workload and have strong time management skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:Minimum of one year of relevant experience and a high school diploma or equivalent required.  Certificate or college course work in a related field preferred.