The Manager of Health & Nutrition supports the health and nutrition systems and services within a program, guiding the health and wellness curricula, program planning, policy development and training. This position provides technical and management support to the Head Start /Early Head Start programs to ensure effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of the health and nutrition services.
Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Manager of Health & Nutrition contributes to program improvement through evaluation, self-assessment and other development efforts. This position is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) to support children’s healthy development.
As a frontline representative of Save the Children, the Manager of Health & Nutrition is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and adhere to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
As a Save the Children employee who will come into contact with children on a routine basis, the position is expected to prevent child abuse in every situation by striving, through mental awareness, good practice and training to minimize risk to children. The position must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report, respond to any instance of child abuse, and promote training and awareness around all child-safeguarding obligations.
- Develop, implement and evaluate systems for the delivery of health, nutrition and safety services. Includes center and, where applicable, home-based services.
- Meet federal, state, and program documentation requirements by maintaining accurate, objective, complete, timely, and well-organized child records as it relates to health and nutrition, both on paper and in designated online systems.
- In collaboration with education staff, research, evaluate and prepare recommendations on health, nutrition and safety curricula to ensure compliance with Performance Standards and monitor for fidelity in implementation.
- Monitor health and nutrition services throughout program. Collect and use quality data to support the use of effective practices that have a positive impact on family and child outcomes, including school readiness.
- Participate in the development of integrated school readiness plans.
- Assist in development of program training plan. Facilitate and provide training, coaching and technical assistance to staff, parents and volunteers.
- Assist in developing and monitoring of health and nutrition budgets. In coordination with supervisor who has responsibility for procurement of materials, identify and prioritize materials and equipment needed.
- Work cooperatively with staff to integrate health and nutrition services with education, disability, parent engagement, and family services.
- Secure contracts and interagency agreements with community service providers to enhance local delivery of comprehensive services to children and families.
- Analyze information and then create and submit required reports.
- Responsible for the implementation of health services advisory committee in collaboration with a range of community specialists (e.g., medical, dental, speech, nutrition, mental health).
- Oversee Child Care Food Program, planning menus in coordination with Food Service Manager and Nutritionist. Supervise and ensure that USDA records and reports are maintained and submitted, including funding applications.
- Protect the safety of children by ensuring the implementation of active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
- Work with other members of Management Team to ensure comprehensive and integrated child and family services in the areas of health.
- Attend home visits, parent conferences or health when requested or as necessary.
- Visit each site and classrooms on a regular basis (4-6 hours per month per site) to conduct observations, provide training and technical assistance, coaching and mentoring.
- Oversee tracking of all related health and nutrition screenings and assessments and participate in local evaluation activities, when applicable.
- Ensure the mobilization and documentation of matching/in-kind funds.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
- Perform other related tasks as needed
- Three years’ work experience in a position that directly relates to the provision and management of Health and Nutrition services for young children and their families.
- Extensive knowledge of Heat Start Program Performance Standards as well as health and nutrition services for infant, toddler and preschool programs.
- Computer literacy with skills in the use of basic Microsoft office software.
- General knowledge of administration, budgeting, purchasing systems management, principles and techniques of supervision and personnel management; public relations skills.
- Knowledge of facilities, technology and food service management.
- Training and experience to develop consistent, stable and supportive relationships with young children.
- Ability to exercise professional judgment and evaluation before making decisions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, children, parents and outside agencies.
- Effective communication skills, good problem solving and time management skills.