LPN/Teachers Asst One-to-One, Gengras Center School

Gengras Center School Nurse

The Gengras Center School, founded in 1965 on the campus of University of Saint Joseph, provides a unique program for elementary, middle, high school and transition aged students with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and related behavioral challenges. Our state-approved, private special education school offers highly structured, functional, self-contained programs for over 130 students. Our staff-to-student ratio is higher than average, and the collaboration between families, home school districts, and community-based service providers is incomparable.

Surrounded by Georgian architecture, spacious walking paths and the eager faces of University of Saint Joseph's young scholars, Gengras Center students and staff members have an added sense of purpose and confidence simply by being part of this University campus environment and all the marvelous facilities that are part of it. Staff enjoy a 10-month schedule working traditional school hours, time off during school vacations, and receive additional pay for working summer school during July. The university offers benefits to all full-time employees, including medical, dental, retirement, and a generous tuition waiver program for those seeking to continue their education.

This position supports the Gengras Center by providing health services, medical treatment and skilled nursing care as prescribed for students with special health care needs.

Working under the direct supervision of the professional staff, this position supports the Gengras Center by providing instructional assistance within the classroom to individuals, and small and large groups, providing clerical and organizational assistance for classroom teachers and/or the school nurse, and by providing general supervision and management of the students. This position will assist the school nurse in carrying out selected activities related to assigned students and/or the school health program. The nurse will assist classroom staff and parents with student health care issues, and will provide training and instruction on related health topics. Maintaining pertinent health records, IEP's and mandated individual health care forms according to state requirements is also necessary. This position must also coordinate health services and implement health policies and procedures with the Center's nurse and administration.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Assist school nurse in carrying out selected clinically-based activities related to students and student health care programs.
• Prepare and maintain health room and therapy areas.
• Assist the school nurse with health screenings, health assessment procedures and individual health care plans.
• Perform routine clerical duties in the health office required, such as: recording standardized information on cumulative health records, assisting with telephone communications, inventory and requisition of supplies, assisting in data collection, and filing and typing.
• Provide routine nursing care of students, as directed.
• Administer medication.
• Perform and assist the nurse with first-aid procedures, as directed.
• Assist the school nurse with acute medical emergencies, as directed.
• Monitor and care for students (Taking vital signs and monitoring body temperature, administering J and G tube feedings, toileting support, child hygiene, transferring students, etc.).
• Demonstrate an awareness of the Center's medical policies/procedures.

Support the instructional process/program and classroom teacher.

• Assist professionals with building and maintaining effective instructional teams.
• Attend transdisciplinary team meetings and actively participating in the process.
• Assist professionals with maintaining learner-centered, supportive environments.
• Assist professionals with planning and organizing learning experiences.
• Assist with the development/preparation of learning materials/instructional resources and the environment.
• Assist with direct instruction and learner needs, progress, and achievements.
• Perform clerical duties in the classroom, such as record keeping, data entry, assisting with parent communication (phone, email, communication books), inventory/requisition of supplies and materials, and typing or filing.
• Demonstrate effective utilization of behavior management procedures in supervision of assigned students.
• Supervise students for school related activities as assigned, including participating in community outings/worksites and extracurricular activities.

Support The Gengras Center as a school and as a program:

• Provide substitute coverage, within the scope of practices outlined above, in the absence of the RN.
• Participate in all in-service and program development workshops, and continue to grow professionally.
• Participate actively on school committees.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Center's policies/procedures.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, teachers or related services staff, as indicated within the Gengras Center's development plan, or as required by the student's Individualized Education Plan and Individualized Health Care Plans.

Requirements:

• Licensed Practical Nurse Degree.
• Previous experience in working with children preferred.
• Demonstrate skills in flexibility, confidentiality and sound decision making.
• Availability to work during the summer program, as needed.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online. Please submit:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter with salary requirements
• Professional references