Public Health Educator II – Childcare Health Consultant

Chatham, County of (NC); Pittsboro (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of young children. As a Public Health Educator II - Childcare Health Consultant, you will play a crucial role in promoting optimal health in childcare settings. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure safe and high-quality environments for children, especially those from underserved communities. You will provide essential guidance, training, and resources to early educators while advocating for children's health on local and state levels. This role offers a supportive work environment focused on employee wellness and professional development.

Benefits

Employee wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Health insurance

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• Licensed health professional with experience in child health and education.
• Completion of NC Child Care Health Consultant Course is required.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate strategies for safe childcare environments.
• Provide education and resources to childcare providers and families.
• Advocate for children's health in community committees.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Technological Skills

Knowledge of Health Practices

Education

ADN or BSN

Master's in Public Health

Bachelor's in Health Education

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting the health and well-being of young children? Join our team as a Public Health Educator II - Childcare Health Consultant and make a real difference in childcare settings across the community! We offer exceptional benefits, a focus on employee wellness, and a healthy work-life balance in a workplace that values you as much as the families we serve.

The Child Care Health Consultant collaborates with childcare directors, facility owners, caregivers, healthcare professionals, families, and community partners to promote optimal health for young children and reduce risks of illness and harm. They provide technical assistance and employ various strategies to achieve these goals, building trusting relationships with all stakeholders. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies to ensure high-quality, safe childcare environments, focusing on nutrition, immunization, outdoor activities, safe sleep, emergency preparedness, and disease prevention.
• Serving as a liaison to health professionals and community agencies by providing education, information, and referrals.
• Advocating for children by participating in local, regional, and statewide committees.
• Working with a CCHC Coach for guidance and pursuing professional development.
• Maintaining active Child Care Health Consultation status per standards.

This role emphasizes providing support and resources to childcare facilities, especially those serving at-risk, low-income, or medically underserved populations. The employee will:

• Offer health and safety guidance to improve early educators' knowledge and skills.
• Recommend program improvements to enhance child development.
• Interpret licensing and regulatory requirements, providing technical assistance for compliance.
• Conduct assessments and develop action plans for child health and safety.
• Provide training and resources to providers, parents, and community agencies.
• Collect and report program data using NC tools, maintaining ongoing documentation.
• Establish and sustain professional relationships with other early care and education specialists.
• Apply for grants to support childcare programs receiving technical assistance.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Participating in community education on communicable diseases and promoting prompt reporting.
• Serving as a public health liaison during disease outbreaks.
• Attending epidemiology meetings and monitoring disease trends in childcare.
• Ensuring immunization compliance in licensed programs.

Professional development and special projects involve:

• Engaging in continuing education and departmental meetings.
• Contributing to community assessments and developing related goals and strategies.

Other duties include responding to public health emergencies and emerging issues affecting childcare environments.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A licensed health professional (ADN or BSN), or a master's in public health/public health education, or a bachelor's in health education with relevant experience.
• Experience working with children and families is preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and technological skills.
• Completion or willingness to complete the NC Child Care Health Consultant Course.
• Knowledge of early care standards, laws, and health practices.

Physical requirements involve sitting, speaking, hearing, occasional lifting, and working in standard office environments. Night/evening work may be required, along with a valid NC driver’s license and current nursing license. Mandatory training must be completed upon hire.