Manager Early Childhood Services

Summary

Reports to the Executive Director, Community Health Enhancement. Is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing assigned Early Childhood Services of Memorial Hospital/Beacon Health System, with primary responsibility for, but not limited to the St. Joseph County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Interfaces on a continuous basis with policy makers and public officials at the national, state and local levels to provide leadership related to assigned program areas. Manages programs in accordance with legal and regulatory standards. This WIC agency adopts the belief of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement "Human milk is species-specific, and all substitute feeding preparations differ markedly from it, making human milk uniquely superior for infant feeding." (See AAP policy statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk).

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Plans, coordinates, manages, and evaluates all assigned services/activities of Early Childhood Services by:

• Developing and evaluating program goals and objectives; creating strategies to achieve program goals/objectives.

• Participating in the development, recommendation, and implementation of administrative policies, procedures, quality plans, and operational strategies for Early Childhood Health Services.

• Developing, administering, monitoring, and adjusting the annual operating and capital budgets to ensure they are managed within established guidelines; ensuring preparation of related financial reports.

• Ensuring the hiring, training, supervising, counseling, and appropriate disciplining of assigned associates.

• Consistently promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the norm for mothers and infants and encouraging the duration of breastfeeding.

Maintains effective operations of Early Childhood Services by:

• Managing and monitoring the activities of all vendors, as well as assuring they are properly trained to handle checks/coupons.

• Fielding questions and resolving complaints from either clients/customers or agencies involved with outreach services.

• Ensuring the referral of participants to other community agencies/programs for appropriate services.

• Establishing protocols and procedures to ensure programs comply with applicable legal and regulatory standards.

• Maintaining ongoing contact with Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), National Association of WIC Directors (NAWD), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials.

• Ensuring implementation, maintenance, training and proper usage of all computer systems.

Supports Community Health Enhancement services and programs by:

• Reviewing system reports, monitoring program participation, and recommending appropriate action if needed.

• Ensuring the creation of personal development plans and ensuring the provision of in-service training for all associates.

• Writing and administering performance evaluations on assigned associates.

• Actively leading the grant acquisition processes related to all assigned programs.

• Actively participating in the strategic planning process.

• Developing and coordinating community/state wide activities and events to increase public awareness of program services and activities.

• Working with Marketing Services to develop and carry out strategic marketing plans to reach target populations.

Participates in appropriate community activities by:

• Providing information, consultation, and education to agencies/groups.

• Readily capturing opportunities to network and communicate information about WIC services; searching, establishing, and capitalizing on partnership opportunities in the county.

• Providing national, state and local leadership.

• Participating as requested in Hospital or System efforts or initiatives.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.

• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.

• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.

• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.

• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.

• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.

• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.

• Complies with established organization and department policies.

• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.

• Cultivate human talent.

• Embrace performance improvement.

• Build greatness through accountability.

• Use information to improve and advance.

• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health or allied health field. Master's Degree in related field preferred. Minimum three to five years of progressively responsible management/supervisory experience required. Preference will be given to a candidate with relevant experience in programming for early childhood services.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires well developed operational skills necessary to organize, develop, and manage a business operation.

• Requires strong administrative skills necessary to manage and coordinate the internal functions of assigned Early Childhood Services and well developed managerial skills to supervise assigned staff members.

• Requires a high level of analytical skills necessary to: a) prepare and interpret financial reports; and b) evaluate program goals, objectives, and outcomes; and c) understand and interpret federal rules, regulations and statutes.

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; including effectiveness in grant writing and public speaking necessary to interact with the public, clients, program staff, and public officials at all levels of government.

• Demonstrates high level of interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a variety of people in a variety of situations in order to project a positive image that is consistent with Beacon Health System values.

• Demonstrates well developed leadership skills and creativity necessary to organize, develop, and provide administrative leadership for program effectiveness.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment.

• May travel to various community sites.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.