POSITION TITLE:  Health Manager    

DEPT: Early Childhood and Youth Services   

REPORTS TO: Family Services Director   

STATUS: Exempt 

GRADE:  5

SALARY:  $68K-$70K

PROGRAM: Head Start  

SUPERVISES: Health and Nutrition Consultants  

Summary: Work under the leadership of the Family Services Director and collaborate with other staff 

members, regarding the planning, growth, preparation, budget management, and program execution of 

health, dental, and nutrition services for center-based Head Start, Early Head Start, and Preschool for All 

Expansion (PFAE). The Manager will analyze and monitor operations of health, dental and nutrition 

program services and organize and control data, outcomes, and budgets. The Manager will participate in 

organizational wide initiatives, support, and cultivate the growth and future mindset of YWCA Metropolitan 

Chicago. The Manager ensures best practices & quality assurance to Head Start Program Performance 

Standards.

COLLABORATES WITH: Early Childhood Leadership team regarding the operations of health and nutrition 

as it relates to early childhood services operations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Program Responsibilities: 

• Supervise Health, Dental and Nutrition Consultants that provide expertise at the partner locations. 

• Monitor sites in partnership with health and nutrition consultant on a continuous basis to ensure 

compliance with set goals and program expectations. 

• Develop collaborations, partnerships, and training opportunities in each community served to 

assist families and improve community access to services. 

• Provide on-site training and technical assistance at sites as needed. 

• Work with colleagues to develop systems and best practices for implementation at sites in 

partnership with child care partners. 

• Remain up-to-date on current health changes and issues that could affect Head Start or PFAE 

requirements. 

• In partnership with medical and dental professionals, support each child’s individual health and 

dental needs and develop a comprehensive plan that ensures the safest environment for the 

child. 

• Develop partnerships with local health systems to increase access to medical information for 

children and families. 

• Understand and articulate DCFS/local regulations and Head Start/PFAE performance standards 

in the areas of health, nutrition, and dental 

• Present in large and small setting aggregated data to highlight strengths and needs. 

• Work closely with the data team to analyze and aggregate health data entered in to database. 

• Manage the implementation of Hearing and Vision screening for all programs. 

• Manage Individual Health Plans for all children with chronic health conditions. 

• Lead the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee in compliance with Head Start 

Performance Standards.

Leadership Competencies:  

• Decision Making – effectively structures and facilitates decision making processes; make 

decisions effectively and responsibly to improve organizational health and impact 

• Develops and motivates others – Motivates others and support their development through strong 

coaching and mentoring 

• External Relationship builder – invest in and builds strong, trusted relationships with partners 

• Leads with vision – has an inspiring vision for the future of the organization, beyond the status 

quo, and communicates it effectively; leads with courage and willingness to take risks in the 

service of impact. 

• Strategic Thinking – Considers the future of the organization proactively and responsively; weighs 

diverse input to inform strategies, identifies innovative opportunities when relevant. 

• Team Building Builds strong relationships with teams and colleagues; fosters effective teams and 

collaborative interactions. 

• Ability to discern, a respectful understanding of other cultures and the diversity they bring into 

each experience; responding in ways that align with YWCA human centered approach, seeking to 

understand while creating a place and space for inclusion. Self-aware to one’s own biases and 

the ability to manage, regulate through them for the best outcomes possible. 

Staff Management Responsibilities: 

•  Works in close collaboration with other Head Start and PFAE Managers. 

• Supervises Health, Dental and Nutrition consultants. 

• Supports recruitment and interviewing of diverse candidates for Health, Dental and Nutrition 

contracted consultants. 

• Ensures team receives ongoing training on best practices related to early childhood Health and 

Nutrition. 

• Stays up to date on current trends and advancements in the field of early childhood Health, Oral 

Health and Nutrition. 

• Participates in leadership meetings and collaborates with the Youth and Family Potential team. 

• Build and supports a system of health and nutrition best practices for all EC programming 

including, Early Head Start/Head Start . 

• Represents the organization in the community and builds a network of connections and support 

as well as promotion of YWCA services.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Participate in administrative and program meetings, as 

appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be 

assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignments, or participating in collaborations.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience in a public health or social service role. 

• Excellent verbal and communication skills that are clear, concise and timely. 

• Extremely proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software to the YWCA and program 

specifications. 

• Ability to build mutual relationships of trust and respect. 

• Possess critical thinking skills and consistently identifies, gathers and applies relevant 

information to our work. 

• Action oriented, able to set priorities, and make timely decisions. 

• Is professional and culturally sensitive. 

• Possess enterprise wide thinking and strategic agility. 

• Demonstrates resiliency: is open to change, new perspectives, manages ambiguity, and strives 

for continuous improvements. 

• Has presentation skills. 

• Previous experience with Head Start preferred. 

• Previous experience with database systems such as COPA or ChildPlus preferred.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Health Services, or a related field.  

• Experience: relationship-based practices, developing health partnership, child development and 

its connection to health, and family dynamics. Knowledge of early care and education systems, 

and work with young children and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The essential functions of the position require operation of computers and other 

office equipment. There may be a need to reach or to lift objects, such as packages or 

supplies.  Communication needs include seeing, hearing and speaking. There will be periods of sitting, and 

using computers. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essential 

responsibilities of the position.  

WORK SCHEDULE:  

M-F normal work hours and some nights and weekends based on program deliverables and 

organizational needs