Health Associate

Job Description

Metro Deaf School
Health Associate
Position Description

I. Job Summary

The Health Associate provides delegated health services under the supervision, direction and delegation of the licensed school nurse while on site. Will monitor, perform and record care provided to assigned student(s). The health associate will support and promote the health and well-being of the assigned student(s) so they can be successful learners. This position is hired in collaboration with Hopkins School District, however, all direct services will be provided at Metro Deaf School.

II. Duties and Responsibilities

Requires a valid Minnesota Nursing license - Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse license. Prior experience working with children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind preferred.

Be in compliance with Minnesota state license requirements and code of ethics/conduct.

Provide routine daily health care, first aid to student(s) and respond to emergencies as needed.

Assist medically fragile student(s) daily with toileting, performing urinary straight catheter procedures (approx two times a day) and good hygiene while maintaining student privacy.

Perform duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with Metro Deaf School’s policies and quality standards.

Interview students and listen to their health care concerns, to determine the level of health care services needed to address the issue(s), following established guidelines, policy and procedures.

Follow protocols, procedures, and written care plans to administer medications, treatments, and episodic care under the delegation and guidance of the licensed school nurse.

Provide referrals to other members of the school health team and outside resources in accordance with Metro Deaf School’s guidelines.

Follow Metro Deaf School’s protocols/procedures to ensure infection control practices are maintained

Follow communicable disease protocols/procedures including prevention, tracking, and follow-up
Assist with vision, hearing, and growth screenings as requested by licensed school nurse or per parent/teacher request

Maintaining accurate and complete health records for students and entering data in the Electronic Health Record

Maintain a daily log of health office, activities, including reportable accidents, communicable disease data, and referrals to school nurse

Communicate with the School Nurse, staff, and parents about student health concerns, and needs.

Demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, families, visitors, and Metro Deaf School staff; and acting in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment

Maintaining absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and Metro Deaf School information

Keep health office clean and sanitary

Performance of duties is subject to exposure to hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and air/blood pathogens

Uses safe practices when implementing OSHA guidelines with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious agents.

At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

Establish and maintain professional relationships with school staff.

Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

III. Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

Skills and abilities in scheduling, organization, time management and recordkeeping as well as ability to work independently.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Able to effectively communicate with staff, students, and parents verbally and in writing

Ability to perform routine computer functions, including communication and documentation

A growth mindset, a willingness to accept and follow direction, and a desire to learn on the job

Ability to work independently and on a team

Empathetic, compassionate, and attentive care provider

Awareness of laws and regulatory issues governing public health, including rules & regulations of the Minnesota Department of Health

IV. Job Outcome

Maintains a positive attitude and style in dealing with others in a manner that contributes to the overall public relations of Metro Deaf School.

Maintains a positive and professional educational environment at all times.

Supports students to reach their full potential academically, emotionally, physically and socially.

Provides a safe and effective learning environment.

Updated 10/24/24
***This position description is subject to change at any time by administration.***

Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical demands described above herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a standard office environment and school health office which requires moderate physical strength and agility to include sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and occasional lifting, moving and carrying of up to 20 pounds; requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform required job tasks; performance of duties is subject to exposure to hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and air/bloodborne pathogens; must be capable of responding to emergencies at the school site in a timely manner and performing CPR.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Minnesota Nursing License required

LPN or RN required in accordance with Minnesota Board of Nursing

School nurse or public nurse experience preferred with deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing students

Demonstrate nursing aptitude required to perform the position as expected

Clean driving record with valid MN driver’s license

Reliable and flexible

Good communication skills in written English enough to understand written policies, procedures and to complete documentation and maintain records.

Fluency in American Sign Language preferred in order to communicate effectively with staff and students

Must be able to work with staff and students of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds

Ability to work collaboratively

Institution Description

Metro Deaf School is a public charter school serving Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children Birth to 22 years old. Metro Deaf School promotes academic excellence and social wellbeing for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing students using an ASL/English bilingual approach. The primary purpose is to empower our students to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed as global citizens.

Application Instructions/Comments

Please find the application on the website and send it to Tracy Bell, via email, fax or mail.