Senior Health Assistant

Job Title

The current need in this classification is to fill part-time, 3.8 hours per day, 5 days per week positions.

Under general direction, provide a variety of specialized health services to students at assigned school sites; administer first aid and CPR and screen ill or injured students in accordance with State laws and District regulations; prepare and maintain related records, files and reports; perform related duties as assigned.

Examples Of Duties

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Provide a variety of specialized health services to students at assigned school sites; observe student health needs and provide information to parents and guardians, community associations, social service agencies and other available resources to obtain health care.
• Administer first aid to ill or injured students; perform CPR; take temperatures; distribute adhesive bandages, ice and compresses as necessary; maintain log of student coming into the health office.
• Administer medications such as Diastat, insulin, Epi-Pens, immunizations and Tuberculin Skin Tests according to physician instructions and established District procedures; administer medications via gastrostomy tubes as required.
• Observe diabetic students who self-monitor blood sugar levels and self-administer insulin; check blood sugar levels and inject insulin as appropriate.
• Accompany students on field trips and other community based settings to meet the health needs of students; assist in maintaining student discipline.
• Perform specialized medical procedures such as tracheostomy care, catheterization, and gastrostomy feedings.
• Screen students for lice and other health conditions; notify appropriate personnel, personal physicians and parents of health conditions as required.
• Notify parents, guardians, emergency personnel and other authorized persons when students need to be sent home or to health care agencies for emergency services; update student emergency cards; assist parents with health related forms.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, files and reports related to student health, nutrition, medications and daily health office activities; review records for compliance with applicable regulations; maintain confidentiality of student health information.
• Maintain the health office in a clean, orderly and safe condition; maintain inventory and order first aid and health office supplies.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer; operate standard health office instruments and equipment; drive a personal vehicle to conduct work.
• Assist in the facilitation and preparation of health screenings and immunization programs; provide referrals to community health care providers as needed; follow up on health care provider referrals.
• Report suspected contagious and communicable diseases to appropriate District personnel.
• Assist individual students with personal hygiene, diapering and toileting as necessary; physically assist students with disabilities as needed.
• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions as required.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned nursing activities.
• Health office practices, terminology, procedures and equipment.
• Medical symptoms and conditions applicable to school-aged children.
• Uses and effects of prescribed medications.
• Accepted methods and principles of personal hygiene.
• Health and safety regulations.
• First aid and CPR procedures.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to:
• Provide a variety of specialized health services to students.
• Administer prescribed medications according to physician instructions and established District procedures.
• Perform specialized medical procedures such as tracheostomy care, catheterization, and gastrostomy feedings.
• Screen ill or injured students.
• Compile data and prepare reports.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Administer first aid and CPR to students.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Utilize a variety of health instruments and office equipment.
• Interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Complete work with many interruptions.
• Operate a computer and assigned software.
• Prepare and maintain records related to assigned activities.

Education and Training:

Graduation from high school supplemented at a minimum by completion of a Licensed Vocational Nurse program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

Experience:

One year of experience working in a health care service environment. Experience working with school-aged children is highly desirable.

Any other combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired skills, knowledge or abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements

Incumbents in this classification at a minimum must possess and maintain licensure to practice in California as a Licensed Vocational Nurse throughout employment in this classification.

Incumbents in this classification must possess and maintain a valid CPR Card issued by an authorized agency throughout employment in this classification.

Positions in this class require the use of personal automobile and possession of a valid California class C Driver's license.