Health and Disabilities Manager

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Health and Disabilities Manager provides leadership and oversight of the program’s health, nutrition, mental health, and disabilities services, ensuring compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), NYS Child Day Care Regulations, and other applicable federal and state regulations.

This role supervises the Health Coordinator, Lactation Consultant, Food and Nutrition Services & Purchasing Coordinator, and Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator. The Manager coordinates services for children with disabilities, establishes MOUs with school districts, and ensures health services are fully integrated with education and family services to promote positive outcomes for children and families served across Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Develop and support the implementation of comprehensive health, nutrition, disabilities, and mental health plans aligned with HSPPS and program goals.

• Plan and oversee systems for verifying and tracking child health and immunization records, oral health support, and required screenings.

• Establish and maintain MOUs with school districts and community agencies for services to children with disabilities.

• Plan and coordinate staff training in health, safety, disabilities, and inclusive practices.

Program Implementation

• Supervise delivery of health, nutrition, and disabilities services across all centers.

• Ensure CACFP compliance, safe food handling, and individualized meal planning for allergies and special diets.

• Oversee oral health practices in classrooms in coordination with Education Managers.

• Support inclusive practices and coordinate specialized services for children with disabilities.

• Manage medication administration planning, first aid/CPR/MAT training, and health-related emergency preparedness.

• Ensure individualized healthcare plans are created and staff are trained in implementation.

• Monitor compliance with healthcare plans, MAT training, and medication storage/administration.

• Conduct and monitor 45-day screenings (sensory, health, height/weight).

• Communicate with families on screening results and manage referrals and follow-up.

• Ensure timely support and services for children referred through EI/CPSE.

• Oversee coordination of onsite therapy/related services delivered by LEA/CPSE providers.

Family Partnerships

• Support families in navigating healthcare systems and accessing providers.

• Facilitate meetings with families, school districts, and service providers for IFSP/IEP services.

• Provide families with health, nutrition, and developmental milestone information.

Communication & Service Coordination

• Collaborate with Education, Family Services, and other service areas.

• Serve as primary contact for health and disabilities services with external agencies.

• Liaise with LEAs, CPSE, and Early Intervention to ensure timely evaluations and services.

• Facilitate collaboration between staff, families, and LEA/CPSE teams.

• Participate in EI, CPSE, and CSE meetings with families as needed.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Oversee data collection and entry for health, nutrition, and disabilities services.

• Maintain accurate documentation for CACFP, PIR, and other reports.

• Ensure confidentiality of all child and family health information.

• Track referrals, evaluations, IEP/IFSP services, and mandated service delivery.

Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment

• Conduct regular monitoring of services to ensure compliance and quality.

• Participate in self-assessment and federal monitoring reviews.

• Analyze data to identify trends and inform program improvements.

Human Resources & Supervision

• Supervise and evaluate staff within health and disabilities service areas.

• Provide coaching and professional development support.

Program Governance & Leadership

• Present health and disabilities updates to Policy Council, governing body, and leadership team.

• Recruit and supervise volunteers, ensuring accurate in-kind documentation.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Travel between sites and attend occasional overnight training/conferences.

• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure compliance with HSPPS and NYS OCFS regulations.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold program values and standards of professionalism.

• Maintain confidentiality, follow child abuse reporting laws, and ensure a safe workplace.

• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, committees, and events.

• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, flexibility, initiative, and commitment to professional growth.

• Stay current with Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health nursing or related field; experience coordinating health services for children required.

• NYS RN (or higher medical credential) preferred.

• Knowledge of HSPPS and NYS OCFS childcare regulations.

• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.

• Strong communication, organizational, and data analysis skills.

• Experience working with diverse populations including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Proficiency with data management and reporting systems.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, work at a computer, and perform repetitive hand/wrist motions.

• Ability to manage workload, multitask, problem-solve, and meet deadlines.

• Must pass a physical exam, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.