Quality Systems Specialist - Health and Nutrition

Orange County Head Start • Santa Ana, CA

20d • Onsite

About The Position

At Orange County Head Start, we believe every child deserves the chance to shine. That's why we're on a mission to level the playing field for children and families in poverty. We partner with families to provide high-quality education and support through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs. We're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to helping children reach their full potential. Be part of a team making a daily impact in children's lives. Work in a purpose-driven environment where your passion meets opportunity. Help children overcome challenges and unlock their potential. As part of our team, you'll play a vital role in shaping young lives. Do you have the purpose and passion to make a real difference? Join us and help children unleash their potential, while you unleash your own!
Under the general supervision of the Program Compliance and Improvement Manager, ensures compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, and all other applicable regulations for OCHS and partner agencies. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that OCHS and its partner agencies provide high-quality, compliant health and nutrition services. This role is not just about checking boxes; it is about fostering a culture of continuous program improvement to support the well-being of the children and families we serve. This role serves as a champion for program excellence, ensuring that health and nutrition services not only meet mandates but also provide the highest level of care for children and families. The Specialist acts as a guide and partner, providing the feedback and tools necessary to maintain program integrity and ensure a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for every child.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience, preferably in Head Start or other educational, health, or social services organization; experience with monitoring programs for compliance.
• Working knowledge of the HSPPS, CACFP, and other applicable laws, policies, and principles relating to the implementation of Head Start programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Basic math skills; ability to calculate figures and amounts, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
• Intermediate computer skills including the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet software packages, and email; must be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to relate positively and effectively with staff at all levels of the agency and partner agencies.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment; build collaborative work relationships and work effectively with others; analytical ability with great attention to detail.
• Must have a valid California driver's license and proof of insurance for driving to centers, meetings, and training venues and successfully comply with OCHS’s requirements relative to fingerprinting and criminal background checks.
• Must have an interest in children and their development.
• Mandated reporter under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).
• Must abide by all agency policies, including agency’s Standards of Conduct, fraud and confidentiality policies.
• Must not discuss the affairs of the staff, children, or Head Start families.
• Will only discuss agency business on a need-to-know basis.
• Must be professional at all times and be neat and clean in personal appearance.
• Responsible for establishing good working relations with parents, staff, professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to take directives.
• Regular, consistent attendance.
• Domestic travel required.
• Must be able to travel to assigned work location(s). This is not a work from home position.
• Must keep the work area neat and clean.
• Lift 10-30 lbs. regularly, up to 50 lbs. occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Implement and execute a comprehensive monitoring framework for Head Start and Early Head Start Health and Nutrition services.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), CACFP, Title 5, Title 22, the Head Start Act, and other relevant regulations.
• Complete, manage, and maintain all data entry, tracking, and documentation systems to ensure monitoring results are accurate, timely, and accessible for high-level analysis.
• Build trust-based relationships with OCHS and partner agency staff to facilitate a transparent, supportive, and effective monitoring process.
• Stay ahead of the curve by researching changes in federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring the agency is prepared for upcoming shifts in Head Start Monitoring Protocols.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level