Health Specialist LVN

Job Description

Job Description : \n\nDescription : POSITION : Health Specialist LVN JOB CODE : HNSHC OCCUPATIONAL GROUPING : Health and Nutrition REPORTS TO : Integrated Services Program Manager CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt POSITION TYPE : Full Time / Full Year (12-Months) SALARY GRADE : 40 HOURLY PAY RANGE : $32.61 to $39.73 LOCATION : City of Industry, CA PROGRAM SUMMARY Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age. Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 650 children and their families. DEFINITION This position is responsible for the implementation and compliance of quality health services that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and that support each child’s growth and school readiness. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED The Integrated Services Program Manager provides general direction and supervision. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Integrated Services Program Manager provides general direction and supervision.Duties include, but are not limited to the following :

• Develops and implements health plans, policies and procedures that encompass compliance, procedures, and evaluation of services that meet Federal, State and Grantee Instructional Memo requirements.
• Reviews the health screenings for enrolled students.
• Identify each child’s health needs taking into account available health information, including the child’s health records and / or family and staff concerns.
• Observes classrooms to guide program staff and parents to identify any new or recurring developmental or oral health needs.
• Plans and implements staff and parent education, community outreach, and health committee activities.
• Develops and maintains community resource networks and negotiates interagency agreements and contracts with local providers for health and dental services.
• Identify and utilize local community agencies to provide nutritional education services to parents and staff.
• Coordinates multi-disciplinary teams for intervention and follow-up of documented health challenges when necessary.
• Utilizes data management systems to track and monitor the effectiveness of service delivery.
• Promotes preventive health services and early intervention.
• Shares with parents and staff on policies for health emergencies that require a rapid response for immediate medical attention.
• Ensures children are up to date on an age-appropriate schedule of well childcare, developmental screenings (audio / vision), dental care and immunizations.
• Initiates and ensures referrals are completed to request further diagnostic testing, examination, medication clarification, and that treatment is provided by an appropriate licensed or certified professional for each child with a noticeable, known, or suspected health or developmental problem.
• Establishes a system of ongoing, open communication with parents of children with identified health needs to facilitate the implementation of a follow-up plan.
• Familiarizes parents with the rationale for all health and developmental procedures administered through the program and ensures that parent or guardian authorization for such procedures are received in advance of the service.
• Works in collaboration with the facilities and education staff to ensure the safety of the classroom environment.
• Provides training and guidance to family services and home base staff to promote consistency of and compliance with required health requirements.
• Monitors health records and any data affecting health services to determine accuracy of service delivery.
• Attends workshops / training to enhance knowledge in pediatric care. Attends assigned LACOE health meetings, trainings, and consultations.
• Attends national, state, and local workshops and trainings related to providing HS / EHS services as assigned.
• Submits monthly status reports regarding health services.
• Ensures completion of the annual California Immunization Report, all health-related unusual incident reporting, and all other required reports related to Health.
• Communicates directly to public health for identified communicable disease cases
• Takes the lead on the following health tasks : a. Health Services Advisory Committee : Responsible for the planning, convening and implementation of policies and / or procedures of the quarterly Health Services Advisory Committee meetings. b. Identifies and is Knowledgeable of Health Resources : Establishes relationships and develops a thorough knowledge of health resources for families including Medicaid, the state CHIP Program, state health services and other community resources that assist families in establishing a medical home. c. Establishes, Negotiates and Monitors Contracts with Health Service Providers : Establishes contracts with outside health professionals to provide services to the Head Start / Early Head Start program in such areas as hearing / vision referrals, child health and nutrition screenings / exams, dental services, and others, as necessary. Contracts may include consultants and / or volunteer services d. Health Education Curriculum : Oversees Child Safety sections of Performance Standards to include fire drills, first aid kits, medication administration systems and systems for Safety Committees in collaboration with the individual responsible for the facilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of : Must demonstrate considerable knowledge of health, nutrition, human development, community health, nursing principles, practices, and procedures, public health programs and other resources and the availability of such programs in the community. Must exhibit skills in the operation and maintenance of basic instruments and equipment used in patient care (e.g. items commonly found in a first aid kit); Community Care Licensing Division requirements, including child medical assessments, immunizations; comprehensive knowledge of health services that promote child development, health, safety, in accordance with Health Services Milestones in the Head Start Performance Standards; California Immunization Registry (CAIR); guidelines of state nurse practice act (NPA) and its rules; knowledge of local resources, languages and customs of the families in the agency's service area; basic software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. Ability to :
• Recognize problems in health, and child safety; relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and other agencies.
• Exercise professional judgement in evaluating prior to decision making
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policies including HIPPA and state requirements
• Work effectively in a team environment; communicate effectively in oral and written language.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Demonstrate respect of individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities and backgrounds MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education : Current Licensed Vocational Nursing license from an accredited educational institution. Red Cross First Aide Certificate and CPR Certificate required. Experience : Minimum of three years of professional health services experience involving the coordination of medical services with community health, occupational health, school nursing, pediatrics and related health practitioners and community services networks. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
• Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, if the prospective employee can perform the requirements of the job description physical requirements.
• Proof of the absence of Tuberculous, from a physician, to show that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families.
• Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.
• Completed and signed statement of any pending and / or prior criminal arrests / charges / convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and / or violent felonies.
• Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
• A valid California driver’s license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.
• As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and / or neglect to Child Protective Services. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Attends mandated trainings and meetings and seeks out staff development opportunities.
• Works as a team member with all staff and maintains a positive work ethic.
• Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties. Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct : 1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability. 2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members. 3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care. 4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. 5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs. 6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value from contractors or potential contractors. 7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children. 8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds. 9. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services. 10. Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services. BENEFIT PLANS Plaza offers eligible employees the opportunity to select plans and programs that meet individual and family needs through our comprehensive benefit plans listed below : Health Care : Medical (Kaiser), Dental (Guardian), Vision (Guardian), Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident and Hospital Coverages. Financial : 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off : Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty Work / Life Solutions : Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) APPLICATION PROCESS 1. Complete an online employment application on www.plazadelarazacds.org; and submit the required documentation : 1) Resume; 2) Transcripts reflecting degree and major; 3) Copy of a current Licensed Vocational Nursing license from an accredited educational institution; and 4) Copy of current CPR / First Aid certificate is required. Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process 2. Submit official transcripts prior to date of hire. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.Requirements :