About this role
Director of Health Services
Department: Head Start and Children's Services
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Downtown Boston - Tremont Street
Compensation: $102,794 / year
Description
The Head Start Health Services Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous quality improvement for the Health Services content area across ABCD Head Start & Children's Services. The Health Services Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating integrated health systems that ensure all enrolled children receive comprehensive, high-quality health, nutrition, oral health, mental health, safety, emergency preparedness, and environmental health services that support healthy development and school readiness.
As a member of the Head Start senior leadership team, the Health Services Director develops and oversees program-wide systems that ensure enrolled children and families receive comprehensive, coordinated, high-quality, individualized services that meet their health and developmental needs while supporting healthy development, school readiness, and family well-being. The Health Services Director collaborates with other content areas, ABCD internal departments, community partners, healthcare providers, and governing bodies to ensure continuous program improvement, regulatory compliance, effective risk management, and high-quality service delivery.
This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start & Children’s Services policies and procedures.
All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.
The responsibilities of a particular position supports the Head Start/Early Head Start and family child care programs. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
As a member of the Head Start senior leadership team, the Health Services Director develops and oversees program-wide systems that ensure enrolled children and families receive comprehensive, coordinated, high-quality, individualized services that meet their health and developmental needs while supporting healthy development, school readiness, and family well-being. The Health Services Director collaborates with other content areas, ABCD internal departments, community partners, healthcare providers, and governing bodies to ensure continuous program improvement, regulatory compliance, effective risk management, and high-quality service delivery.
This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start & Children’s Services policies and procedures.
All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.
The responsibilities of a particular position supports the Head Start/Early Head Start and family child care programs. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Strategic Leadership, Planning & Continuous Quality Improvement (35%)
- Provides strategic leadership for all Health Services systems across Head Start and Early Head Start.
- Develops long-range strategic goals, annual objectives, and quality improvement initiatives aligned with program goals and organizational priorities.
- Leads the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of integrated health systems supporting:
- Child health
- Oral health
- Nutrition services
- Mental health collaboration
- Child safety
- Environmental health and safety
- Emergency preparedness
- Health education and family wellness
- Utilizes program data, community assessment findings, child outcomes, incident reports, monitoring results, self-assessment findings, and federal review outcomes to establish priorities and improve service delivery.
- Leads annual content area planning, self-assessment, risk assessments, and continuous quality improvement planning.
- Develops and updates policies, procedures, protocols, and operational guidance.
- Ensures health services are fully integrated with education, disabilities, family services, ERSEA, fiscal operations, facilities, and human resources.
Program Oversight, Compliance & Monitoring (30%)
- Directs implementation of comprehensive health services in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversees program-wide monitoring systems that ensure compliance with HSPPS, CACFP, EEC licensing regulations, DPH requirements, OSHA standards, and all applicable regulations.
- Ensures timely completion of required health screenings, follow-up treatment, immunizations, dental care, nutrition assessments, and individualized health care plans.
- Oversees implementation of Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements and nutrition services.
- Leads preparation for Office of Head Start monitoring reviews, licensing visits, CACFP reviews, audits, and other regulatory reviews.
- Develops systems for tracking compliance indicators and performance metrics.
- Reviews trends in incidents, injuries, illnesses, medication administration, environmental hazards, and health outcomes to reduce risk and strengthen preventive practices.
- Oversees emergency preparedness planning, emergency response protocols, safety drills, AED programs, infection prevention, and environmental health initiatives.
- Leads the coordination of the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC) and related activities.
Leadership & Staff Supervision (20%)
- Provides direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and evaluation of the Health Services Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, and Mental Health Coordinator/Administrator.
- Builds a collaborative, high-performing interdisciplinary team focused on quality services and positive outcomes.
- Establishes performance expectations and professional development plans, while ensuring all professional licensing requirements are met and maintained.
- Leads and coordinates the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, and succession planning for Health Services staff.
- Ensures staff receive ongoing training related to health, safety, nutrition, mental health, emergency preparedness, child wellness, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
- Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, equity, and continuous learning.
- Collaboration & Community Partnerships (10%)
- Collaborates with program leadership to ensure coordinated service delivery across all content areas.
- Develops and maintains partnerships with medical providers, dental providers, behavioral health agencies, hospitals, community organizations, emergency response agencies, public health departments, universities, and other community partners.
- Coordinates interdisciplinary problem-solving for children with significant medical, nutritional, behavioral, or developmental concerns.
- Serves as liaison with regulatory agencies and external partners regarding health-related initiatives.
- Represents ABCD Head Start on community committees, coalitions, advisory boards, and professional organizations.
Administrative Responsibilities (5%)
- Oversees Health Services budgets, grants, contracts, and purchasing related to the content area.
- Prepares reports required by senior leadership, governing bodies, Office of Head Start, and funding agencies.
- Maintains accurate records and data systems.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Extensive knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, particularly 45 CFR Part 1302 related to health services.
- Comprehensive knowledge of child health, nutrition, oral health, behavioral health, mental health consultation, environmental health and safety, emergency preparedness, infection prevention, and family wellness.
- Knowledge of CACFP regulations and nutrition program administration.
- Strong knowledge of Massachusetts licensing and public health regulations.
- Demonstrated experience leading compliance monitoring, quality assurance, and continuous quality improvement systems.
- Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
- Excellent analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities.
- Experience developing policies, procedures, and operational systems.
- Strong fiscal management and contract oversight skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Strong technology skills including Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
- Professionalism
- Demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical leadership.
- Promotes a culture of professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout program operations.
- Maintains confidentiality of child, family, employee, and agency information.
- Participates in ongoing professional development.
- Serves as a collaborative member of the Head Start senior leadership team.
- Demonstrates commitment to ABCD's mission and values.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS & CONDITIONS:
- Ability to travel regularly to all ABCD Head Start locations.
- Ability to conduct classroom observations, facility inspections, kitchen reviews, and safety assessments.
- Ability to lift training materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to respond during emergencies and support emergency response activities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to work independently and collaboratively.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Nutrition, Health Administration, Health Education, Social Work, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience with at least 3-5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in pediatric health, public health, early childhood health services, Head Start, or community health required.
- Master’s degree in related field or Registered Nurse license preferred.
Why Work Here
- Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
- Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
- Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
- Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
- A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
- Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.
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