Health Specialist

DescriptionJob close date: 8/21/2026

Mission
Shasta Head Start, a non-profit agency, is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young
children, one family at a time. We provide opportunities for education, parenting support and resources to
families in our communities.

Position Summary
The Health Specialist is responsible for planning and administering the health, and nutrition services for children
and families. Services must be coordinated with staff in other program content areas, and must include ongoing
assessment of the quality of services provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and administer the Shasta Head Start health and nutrition services program area,

ensuring an integrated and comprehensive system of services for children and families.

• Provide training and guidance to staff, parents, and community members on a variety of pertinent topics

in the area of health and nutrition.

• Ensure on-going monitoring, tracking, follow-up and analysis of health and nutrition services, including

health and nutrition plans.

• Develop and maintain record keeping and reporting systems, including service area plan,

schedules, timelines, policies and procedures for health and nutrition services in accordance with
Head Start Performance Standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Ensure coordination of communication with staff, parents, program consultants and community to

enhance services to children and families.

• Ensure coordination of center safety practices including disaster preparedness.
• Supervise and oversee work tasks and activities within health and nutrition services to ensure the full

delivery of integrated services.

• Administer CACFP food services program.
• Collaborate with state and community partners for recruitment, and as needed to enhance Shasta Head

Start health and nutrition services.

• On-going professional development through education, role modeling, mentoring, and training.
• Assist in planning and preparing special events or activities.

Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable and dependable.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Work as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
• Act conscientiously in performing routine duties
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

QualificationsQualifications
Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, data outcomes, professional journals, technical

procedures, and government regulations in fields relevant to position.

• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory

agencies, and families both individually and in group settings.

• Ability to write organized and accurate reports and other documents
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of

directors

• Ability to work as a positive team member.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff efficiently and effectively within the guidelines of Shasta Head

Start policies and mandates.

• Ability to use basic math skills, to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only

limited standardization exists.

• Knowledge of various software programs such as Microsoft Office and data management software for

child care, health or other social services

Education
Minimum
Bachelors degree (B.A.) in Health Education, Nursing (CNA, LVN), Public Health or related
program.
Desired
Bachelors degree (B.A.) in Health Education, Nursing (RN, MPH), Public Health or related
program.

Training and Experience
Minimum
Two or more years of experience/training in early childhood health or nutrition.
Desired
Four or more years of experience/training in early childhood health or nutrition.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with
hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and
stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee
must be able to occasionally lift 20 pounds overhead and 40 pounds from waist to shoulder. The employee
frequently lifts and/or moves up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lifts 50 pounds from floor to waist. The
employee must be able to push/pull up to 75 pounds horizontally. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust
focus.

Shasta Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer