2024-25 Health Assistant - Palomino Intermediate

The job of Health Assistant is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assisting the school nurse in the operation of a school nurse’s office; administering first aid and dispensing prescribed medications under the direction of a health care professional; maintaining records; and documenting activities in accordance with established guidelines and/or regulatory requirements.

This job reports to Building Administrator and/or School Nurse

Essential Functions

Administers emergency first aid and scheduled medication to students under the direction of health professional for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs in compliance with established guidelines as directed, or in the absence of the school nurse, when a qualified substitute nurse is not available.

Assists health professional in completing health screenings (e.g. lice, vision, hearing, scoliosis, height/weight, sports physicals, dental, etc.) for the purpose of identifying health concerns and/or delivering school health services in compliance with established guidelines to include performing new student health screening upon registration, scheduling annual ADHS mandated health screenings within first 45 days of school, reserving health screening equipment, and scheduling volunteer screeners.

Cleans work areas (e.g. sinks, counters, cots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment.

Maintains inventory of health office supplies and equipment for the purpose of ensuring items availability as needed.

Processes new and transferring student enrollment forms.

Obtains required medical documentation/releases for newly enrolling students as well as continuing students; ensures immunization compliance prior to completion of enrollment process.

Prepares emergency cards for classroom distribution by teacher to students.

Maintains student health informational records (e.g. prescription dispensing log, medical emergency cards, health charts, etc.) for the purpose of providing up to date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.

Monitors students in the health office for the purpose of ensuring their safety.

Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. data entry of medical alert status, immunization records, withdrawing students, answering calls, copying, faxing, etc.) for the purpose of supporting health services activities.

Reports suspected child abuse adhering to state regulatory requirements and established district guidelines.

Responds to a variety of inquires (e.g. students, parents, staff, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or direction.

Other Functions

Attends meetings, workshops and seminars for the purpose of gathering information required to perform functions.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: administering first aid/CPR; handling body fluids and waste materials; operating standard office equipment knowledge of pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency first aid/CPR procedures; safety practices and procedures; health standards and reporting procedures.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment and software. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment/software. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining confidentiality; being sensitive to and communicating with young adults/teenagers regarding a variety health needs; adapting to changing work priorities; being attentive to detail; displaying tact and courtesy; maintaining a good rapport with students, employees and community, displaying a high level of critical thinking and decision-making skills when providing student care in the absence of the school nurse.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision of school nurse using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 20% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience:  Job related experience is required.

Education:    High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency:

Required Testing                                             Certificates and Licenses

                                                                       CPR Certification or CCOCPR Certificate

                                                                       First Aid Certification

Continuing Educ. / Training                           

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses                 

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance