Program Nurse - Head Start

Job Summary: Under the direction and supervision of the Health Services Manager, this position is primarily responsible for reviewing child health information providing direct health services to Head Start children. This position assists the Health Services Manager with development and implementation of Health Services according to the Head Start Performance Standards, Minnesota Rule 3 Child Care Licensing and other federal, state, local program guidelines and agency regulations.

Scope of Supervision: Child Wellness Service Provider. As needed- Health Advocates, Health Interns/Volunteers, including any nursing students, throughout the program year

Essential Functions:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Services

• Provide training to Head Start staff on medication administration to children.
• Provide expert opinion on health symptoms and conditions to help triage the child to the appropriate level of care.
• Promptly refer children who are suspected of having chronic health issues for evaluation, including managing all hearing and vision screening referrals.
• Review all health histories with health concerns, documenting the concern and determining if the child needs an individualized child care program plan (ICCPP) dictating how to care for the child in the program given the health concern.
• When a child requires an ICCPP, work with the parent/guardian and support staff to ensure appropriate documentation is obtained from the provider and medication (if needed) is secured for the child as quickly as possible, before starting school. Ensure primary caregivers of a child on an ICCPP understand the care plan. Fill out the Head Start requirements on the ICCPP for the program.
• Complete a medication administration plan when there is medication according to the doctor’s instructions.
• Document pertinent information on children with suspected or diagnosed health disabilities in an efficient, timely and accurate manner. Communicate with medical offices and partners to help secure treatment for children, as needed.
• As needed, help source providers for various medical needs of children that accept the insurance carried by the family.
• Complete two visits, at minimum, to each pregnant participant in our home-based program, one prenatal and one postpartum, to provide health education and support, as needed, to the pregnant participant and baby.

Supervision/Service Coordination

• Supervise and establish clear expectations and work schedules for assigned staff.
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of new staff.
• Assist in orientation and training of new Health Team staff.
• Conduct performance reviews when scheduled and monitor individual staff progress on performance goals and professional development plans.
• Carry out all personnel functions assigned to supervisors in the agency personnel policies and collective bargaining agreement.
• Monitor the partnership between nursing colleges and Head Start, placing health volunteers at centers and being the bridge between site supervisor of volunteer and college. Responsible for maintaining and updating, as needed, the paperwork outlining this agreement (e.g., contract, MOU, etc.).
• Act as a liaison to community school districts, health/dental service providers, and nutrition service providers. Identify and utilize state and community resources for health services.
• Assist Health Services Manager in building partnerships with health care facilities to ensure that Head Start children obtain needed immunizations, physicals, and dental examinations and treatment.
• Ensure individualized services are provided for children with health conditions, as indicated by a diagnostic professional and the ICCPP.
• Develop a schedule to complete quarterly classroom walk-throughs to ensure required health procedures implementation and accountability. Document an annual walk-through of each center for health and safety concerns.
• Review all health policies annually to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
• Attend events, conferences, and family fun, as needed, to provide health education, resources, and support.
• Provide expert data input and follow-up for annual reporting requirements, as needed.
• Attend, participate and provide content when requested for the Health Services Advisory Council by the Health Services Manager.

Training

• Provide health education/training to Head Start staff, parents, and Ramsey County Community members.
• Complete necessary training to become a CPR/First Aid/AED Trainer and provide CPR/First Aid/AED training for Head Start and Early Head Start staff, as needed, to ensure staff are certified.
• Provide leadership and training to all Head Start staff on topics of preventative health maintenance or other relevant health topics, as required by law and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Train Head Start staff on appropriate health care procedures, as related to children with chronic and life-threatening illness.
• Facilitate at least two annual health-related workshops for Head Start parents and/or the community.

Health Education

• Responsible for scheduling health education activities at the centers in collaboration with the Center Education Coordinators.
• In conjunction with the Center Education Coordinator and Family Services, coordinate parent education regarding health and safety practices for the home.
• Collaborates with Health Advocates to support health education topics in home visiting and for prenatal visits.
• Attend socialization events and provide health information and supplies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• AA with RN certification required with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• MN Registered Nurse License required
• Public Health Nurse registration preferred (must be eligible to become registered according to Minn. Rules 6316.)
• Experience living or working in a multicultural environment is preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years general experience with children and families preferred. Prior nursing experience with children and families, including health education, is highly preferred.
• Preference for public health training or accreditation.
• Preference for experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Preference for experience with prenatal and postpartum parents.

Licensing Requirements: MN Registered Nurse License

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Computer skills, both database and word processing needed.
• Ability to function effectively with various professional and community groups is necessary.
• Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with a variety of multi-ethnic and socio-economic groups and/or individuals.
• To ensure compliance with program requirements and the safety of staff and clients, the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, is required.

Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are needed to accommodate multiple work sites.

Work Knowledge: Knowledge of early childhood development and health conditions and syndromes preferred. Knowledge of community resources preferred. Knowledge of local and state daycare health, sanitation, OSHA and Bloodborne Pathogens regulations is valuable. Knowledge of early childhood nutrition is preferred. Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards is preferred.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to successfully pass the pre-placement Head Start physical exam.

Mental Requirements: Must be motivated, optimistic, enthusiastic, patient, and a great team player. This position requires an awareness of deadlines, the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function independently. Must use reading and writing skills frequently, problem-solving and reasoning skills constantly. Capable of using good judgment.

Environmental Requirements: Flexible work environment: normal office environment plus will spend time weekly at various Head Start Centers in classroom environment; may ride Head Start buses; may conduct home visits. Flexible hours will include occasional evening and weekend work.

Benefits:

Department: Head Start

Starting Salary Range: $59,551.77 - $74,905.45

Locations: Syndicate Headquarters - 450 Syndicate St N St. Paul, MN 55104

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 Hours/Week, Full Year, Full Time, Regular

Syndicate Headquarters - Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm

**Hybrid Capability:**This position has 10% (4 hours per week) hybrid capability.

Posting Dates : 9/8/2026 - 9/25/2026

Benefits: Community Action offers a benefits package for eligible part-time employees, including paid time off (PTO), retirement plan participation, employee discount programs, and more. Employees who regularly work 20 or more hours per week may become eligible for additional benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, based on eligibility requirements.

**Background Checks:**Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We recruit, select, hire, place, transfer, promote, demote, layoff, discipline, terminate, recall, compensate, and train without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.