Health Assistant

Health Assistant
 
Position Goal
To assist the Director of Health Services in promoting, improving, and protecting the health and wellness of the school population through direct care, health education, and coordination of health services.
 
Reports to
Director of Health Services
 
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required
• Prior satisfactory work experience with children or youth.
• Completion of a certified CPR course (renew bi-annually).
• Completion of a school-based medication dispensing course preferred.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with school staff, administration, students, and families to support a safe and healthy school environment.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and public, promoting a positive image of the school system.
• Coordinate and carry out health screenings (vision, hearing with AEA) and maintain up-to-date cumulative health records on all students.
• Monitor student immunization compliance in accordance with state regulations.
• Assist with the identification of health needs by observing students and reporting concerns to the school nurse or Director of Health Services.
• Administer basic first aid and emergency care under established procedures in the absence of a physician.
• Dispense medications and maintain accurate medication administration records.
• Maintain daily nurse logs and documentation for all student visits and treatments.
• Notify teachers and appropriate personnel of student health concerns.
• Conduct head lice checks and manage follow-up procedures.
• File accident reports and notify appropriate staff of incidents.
• Assist with the development and implementation of health-related Individual Health Plans (IHPs) and 504 accommodations.
• Coordinate with parents and community resources for student health needs.
• Educate students on health topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and physical development.
• Support efforts to prevent illness and improve overall health conditions within the school.
• Alert the school nurse of significant health changes, major illnesses, or injuries of students.
• Adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards in handling student and staff information.
• Assist with Medicaid documentation and reporting as needed.
• Participate in in-service training sessions and professional development.
• Maintain licensure and continuing education as required by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

 Health Assistants Are NOT Expected to:

• Provide counseling services beyond basic listening and support.
• Diagnose or give medical advice (diagnosis is limited to licensed physicians).
• Transport students (district insurance does not cover personnel for transportation).

Communication Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and follow documents such as safety protocols, medical instructions, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and maintain clear, accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff, parents, and healthcare providers.

 Analytical and Reasoning Skills

• Ability to apply sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and needs within the school environment.

 Technology Skills

• Proficient in using a personal computer and standard office applications.
• Ability to utilize student information systems, email, time tracking systems, and required online trainings.

 Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to handle or feel.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Visual abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, vibration, and wet or humid conditions.
• Noise level is typically moderate but may occasionally be loud.

 Other Duties as Assigned
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent, Director of Health Services, or designee that are necessary to the achievement of program and District goals. 

Terms of Employment
Salary and benefits will be established by the Board of Education. 

Evaluation
Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of support services personnel.