Vacancy

•2026-27: Health Specialist, Shenandoah Valley Head Start/Early Head Start

Augusta County Public Schools

Shenandoah Valley Head Start Program

•58 Cedar Green Road Staunton

VA 24401

•Staunton, Virginia This job is also posted in Augusta County Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID:

5915145

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

To Be Determined

Job Description

2026-2027 Vacancy

Health Specialist, Shenandoah Valley Head Start/Early Head Start

Reports To:

Director of Shenandoah Valley Head Start/Early Head Start

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Allocation Details:

85% Head Start & 15% Early Head Start

240 day contract, 8 hours a day

34 hours a week for HS & 6 hours a week for EHS

2026-2027 Salary Scales

Shenandoah Valley Head Start/Early Head Start is a regional preschool program serving the communities of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro. SVHS is a federal grant funded program with a long standing history of success. Our mission is to provide a quality preschool program that forms partnerships among families, sites, and communities. The program emphasizes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development that is age appropriate for children while encouraging lifelong learning and empowering families through parent engagement.

General Description of Work:

The Health Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates the service plan for Shenandoah Valley Head Start and Early Head Start as related to the areas of medical, dental, physical, and nutritional health, as well as preventative care and safety needs. The Health Specialist provides support services to assist families in meeting their health needs and encourages parental involvement in these areas. The Health Specialist provides transition services to and from the preschool program for children who have significant medical, dental, physical, or nutritional needs.

The Health Specialist is responsible for interpreting federal, state, and local regulations related to service delivery of all health requirements for the program. The Health Specialist will provide support to the children and families participating in the program and serve as a resource to classroom and family services staff.

The Health Specialist will be responsible for monitoring and tracking data related to the services and supplies provided to program participants, and for establishing a system for identification of families and children in need of health services and providing necessary services to meet their needs.

The Health Specialist is responsible for collaborating with SVHS staff for ensuring the services provided include children with disabilities in accordance to meeting the child's identified needs.

The Health Specialist will support licensure standards at the child care center(s), will provide regular support and monitoring observations to ensure compliance in cooperation with the Operations Manager.

Educational Requirements:

RNs must be a graduate of an accredited program of Registered Nursing. Must hold valid VA. License for Registered Nurse. This degree is not a requirement.

LPNs or other certified medical professionals must have current license/endorsement for the position.

Prefer a Bachelor's Degree in a health or related field.

Two years of successful working experience in nursing or health related field with references giving evidence.

CPR and First Aid licensed to train preferred.

Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of early childhood development with emphasis on health, medical, dental, and nutritional components

Ability to organize and prioritize health needs of children and job tasks with minimum supervision

Knowledge of health principles, health practices, public and private social services delivery systems for preschool children and their families, and supervision and management of work units assigned duties and responsibilities in a public program setting.

Demonstrate computer competency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database management systems

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships and working agreements with staff members, parents, the local school divisions, community agencies, and a wide variety of institutions including the general public

Ability to provide health education resources and training for staff and families

Utilize knowledge of a wide variety of community services

Provide oversight of nutrition program in collaboration with the designated registered dietician

Maintain HIPPA and FERPA confidentiality practices while working with families and their personal information

Ability to relate appropriately to and coordinate ideas with the people being served and those who coordinate services with the Shenandoah Valley Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

Ability to problem solve independently with sound professional judgment

Ability to drive to sites for monitoring and collaboration within a regional program serving seven local school divisions and various child care settings

Ability to work under conditions that may be stressful and situations during which deadlines must be met

Ability to multitask while still providing comprehensive family and community services throughout the region

Ability to assist with other program responsibilities and duties as necessary or as assigned

Knowledge of Virginia daycare licensing standards

Work Duties:

• Implement goals, policies, and activities designed to implement health services including dental, nutrition, and safety requirements.
• Provide staff training on HIPPA and FERPA as well as maintain confidentiality while working with sensitive information.
• Work cooperatively with Head Start staff and public school personnel to ensure the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and other special education provisions.
• Work with teachers, parents, local education agencies, SVHS & EHS staff, child care centers and community agencies to plan for and develop health services, obtain professional diagnoses for children, and provide necessary resources and treatment.

Ensure the implementation of Head Start performance standards and the compliance with the Head Start performance standards and other federal, state, and local mandates. This includes, but is not limited to, implementation of a plan of action for health emergencies; ensuring children meet health, safety, and hygiene requirements; and developing policy recommendations, procedures, and related forms and other documentation to carry out necessary health mandates.

Participate in regular staffing for children and families with preschool staff.

Maintain inventory of all health supplies and create orders to keep the supply available for classrooms

Conduct home visits as necessary with direct service providers.

Conduct routine site visits to monitor in a scheduled rotation with other

SVHS & EHS

staff members.

Supervise the completion of health tracking for each child which includes medical and dental exams and treatments, hearing and vision screening, immunizations, insurance requirements, hematocrit and hemoglobin, height and weight, nutritional history, and health history, including prenatal information. Review and interpret child health data and provide treatment and resources as necessary.

Facilitate child meal and snack requirements and delivery of nutrition services, including consulting with Registered Dieticians as necessary. Ensure meals provided by the LEA meet USDA and related nutrition requirements.

Coordinates with Head Start and Early Head Start staffing team to ensure effective referral monitoring and follow up on all family and child services related to mental health, disability, health, medical, dental, nutrition, eligibility, absenteeism, attendance, and related requirements for service follow-up

Monitor the proper handling of medication.

Establish and participate in the local Health Advisory Committee as a leader.

Monitor the referral and follow-up for all health concerns.

Advocate for health services needs of children and their families within the region by serving on boards, committees, work groups, task forces, etc. as needed.

As a member of the Leadership team, the Health Specialist will collaborate with other Head Start supervisory and administrative staff to develop training plans, quality improvement plans, and changes to the services provided by the program.

Collect and maintain community partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding, as appropriate.

Coordinate with Family Service Advocates in obtaining parental permission for screenings, testing, and treatment requirements sponsored by the preschool program. Assist with screening events.

Provide daily onsite health services for the Augusta Head Start classrooms.

Collect, interpret, and share data to inform programmatic decisions

Assist in developing, implementing, and participating in staff meetings, workshops, and various professional development opportunities.

Prepare and submit written reports as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Job Requirements

Citizenship, residency or work visa required