School Nurse Corps Administrator

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

Under the general direction of the NWESD Special Programs and Services Director and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Health Services Supervisor, the School Nurse Corps (SNC) Administrator implements the School Nurse Corps Program, providing two essential school health services:

(1) Program management of direct registered nurse services in identified SNC districts, and

(2) Regional school health leadership, consultation, technical assistance and support to all NWESD districts.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborates with OSPI Health Services Supervisor and NWESD district administrators in the development, implementation and evaluation of the SNC Program. SNC program requirements include the development of an equitable health services plan that prioritizes services facilitating student and adult acquisition of knowledge; promotes good mental and physical health practices and behaviors that are culturally appropriate; and, responds to student, staff, and district needs.
• Helps recruit, train, mentor and oversee professional registered nurses in districts funded by the SNC program grant. Oversees and manages SNC program i-Grant budget and OSPI/NWESD fiscal requirements.
• Manages SNC contracts, ensuring the program fulfills contracted deliverables of work with OSPI and districts.
• Provides clinical and technical assistance and professional development to nursing and school staff as appropriate to meet school nurse, district, and NWESD needs. May conduct SNC, district, school, and student health needs assessments.
• Supports compliance with state and nursing regulations and statutes related to students with significant health care needs.
• Serves as a resource to identified districts, staff, parents, and community providers within the NWESD region.
• Assists in developing, updating, and implementing standards of practice, policies, protocols, procedures, and record-keeping systems.
• Maintains a working relationship with local, regional, and state community health and social service agencies, and providers.
• Serves as communication link between health-related community organizations, school nurses, school districts, educational service districts, and OSPI regarding program trends, issues, and needs.
• Assists OPSI in gathering school health services data, maintains records and data, and compiles and writes a variety of reports.
• Carries out visitations to districts and sites using personal and/or NWESD vehicles.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of professional nursing principles, standards of care, and state and federal obligations.
• Knowledge of current health issues affecting both rural and urban communities, and public schools.
• Knowledge of Individualized Health Care and Emergency Care plans, Individualized Education Programs, and 504 plans.
• Knowledge of school health and nursing services delivery models.
• Knowledge of principals of school health programs.
• Skill in developing program goals and objectives.
• Ability to provide effective leadership, decision making, and problem-solving techniques.
• Knowledge of project management systems.
• Knowledge of State records retention requirements.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent health – physical, emotional and mental health concepts.
• Familiarity with regional school health resources and community partners.
• Ability to facilitate group processes.
• Ability to interact professionally with persons of all ages, lifestyle preferences, and diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, including those who may be distraught, angry, or upset.
• Ability to apply complex nursing, health and education regulations.
• Ability to promote equity across all work and interactions.
• Ability to oversee and manage program budgets, contracts, and grant deliverables.
• Ability to perform long range planning, problem solving, strategic and critical thinking.
• Ability to effectively work with and relate to students, nurses, parents, school staff, and the public.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with ESD, district staff, and community agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech, writing and professional presentations.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and objectivity, as well as maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to utilize health information software programs, technology, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to perform demanding tasks while maintaining a professional environment, managing multiple needs, assignments, or projects while meeting timelines.
• Ability to maintain own professional growth to meet expectations and evolving needs of position.
• Ability to support and implement ESD policies, regulations, procedures and administrative directives.
• Ability to adapt and have flexibility with regard to different adult and student learning behavioral styles and abilities; and in regard to new trends and ideas in health education.
• Ability to keep accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to attend meetings beyond normal working hours.

Qualifications:

Current Washington RN license. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification. Educational Staff Associate (ESA) with school nurse certification preferred (or willingness to obtain). Three (3) years of school nurse experience and one (1) year of program administration or supervisory experience. Substantial work experience may be substituted for this requirement. Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. A Master’s degree is preferred. An advanced degree in a related health field may be substituted. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately 90% in an office/school environment and approximately 10% traveling within assigned geographic areas of the NWESD region to complete essential functions and position requirements. Evenings and some weekends are required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment.  Frequent travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.