School Health Assistant

Mesa County Valley School District 51•Grand Junction, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Working under the direct supervision and guidance of the assigned Registered Nurse (RN) and Building Administrator, this position assists in meeting the health needs of students according to district policies and school procedures. The Health Assistant provides a variety of routine and emergency medical care including but not limited to caring for injured, sick, and medically fragile students. Duties also include coordinating mandated annual screenings, maintaining medical documentation and other related tasks. This position is often a first point of contact for students, parents, and staff members regarding student and public health concerns. Therefore, the health assistant must work cooperatively to build and maintain positive relationships while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Note: The Health Assistant is delegated to perform some duties under the licensure of the assigned Registered Nurse. Due to this requirement, the Registered Nurse provides guidance, supervision and oversight in conjunction with the Building Administrator.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Criminal background check required for hire
Valid Colorado driver's license or valid Colorado identification required
Health Assistant Work Keys Assessment passing score required for hire
CPR/AED/First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire
Operating knowledge of early childhood and student tracking system required within 30 days of hire
Ability to operate a audiometer, automated external defibrillator (AED), assist with vision screenings, and read a thermometer required within 30 days of hire
Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
Strong customer service skills, with the ability to provide support in a professional and approachable manner
Commitment to handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest ethical standards
Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff and various stakeholders
Ability to lead, communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
Ability to follow applicable federal, state, local laws and Board of Education policies, in addition to building and department procedures
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
Strong working knowledge of special education and medical information privacy laws and statutes as outlined in the: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, 1996) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 1974, 2016)
Strong ability to take calm action in emergency situations that may involve injury or severe illness
Strong data entry, basic accounting, and math skills
Well-developed ability to work independently as needed with minimal direction and/or supervision
Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions in a timely manner
Operating knowledge of and experience with office software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email

Nice To Haves

Preference for additional courses in medical caregiving or other relevant topics
Preference given for applicants with prior experience in the medical field or other first-aid experience

Responsibilities

Provide first aid, daily medications, and medical care for sick and/or injured students according to federal, state, and District policies.
Administer medication and perform procedures as delegated by the school's Registered Nurse (RN). These medical procedures may include, but are not limited to: diabetic care, catheterization, seizure care, G-tube feeding, oral suctioning and care, emergency injections, and other tasks related to chronic or acute health needs.
Provide comprehensive care of students with diabetes according to the health care plan.
Respond to medical emergencies when the school nurse is not present, using CPR, first aid, and AED skills.
Follow RN-developed Health Care Plans, including administering emergency medications such as stock epinephrine and stock naloxone, and contacting 911 as needed.
Input and update student health care records and related paperwork to support the RN in maintaining accurate records in accordance with established standards and protocols.
Ensure strict compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations to safeguard the privacy and sensitivity of student information.
Communicate promptly with the RN, building administrator, parents, and/or designated contacts during major illness, serious injury, or other health-related issues and complete incident reports per established protocols.
Collaborate routinely with the school RN on student health needs, community health concerns, and referrals from teachers, other disciplines, and parents.
Maintain a clean, organized and well-stocked School Health Office.
Oversee inventory, ordering, and stocking of health and first aid supplies under the RN's guidance.
Ensure proper labeling, documentation, and storage of student medications, including but not limited to prescription medications, over the counter medications, and emergency life-saving medications.
Routinely disinfect the health office (cots, sinks, countertops, door knobs, light switches, telephone receivers) per nursing protocols.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and District policies for student vision/hearing screenings, immunization records, communicable disease reporting, and other health mandates.
Oversee logistical arrangements for school-site screenings, including timely data entry of screening and student information and following up communications.
Assist with mandated screenings at other schools when requested by the RN.
Assist school office staff by answering front counter inquiries, handling incoming calls, directing office traffic, and providing general information as student health care needs allow.
Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.