Director of Nursing & Health Services

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

Recognizing and promoting the relationship between health and learning, the Director of Nursing & Health Services manages the total school nursing program, providing nursing leadership within the school system. The Director of Nursing & Health Services is responsible for supervising and implementing the provisions of the Nursing & Health Services Department and Section 504 in the Fitchburg Public Schools following State and Federal regulations and mandates. The Director of Nursing & Health Services will work closely with the Medical Director who serves as a consultant. The Director of Nursing & Health Services oversees the district’s need for student health for grades pre-K -12 and provides for a safe and healthy school environment. On a day-to-day basis, the Director of Nursing & Health Services will work with the educational leaders of the Fitchburg Public Schools to ensure that the health needs of all students are met. 

Coordinates the clinical aspects of the comprehensive school health program, collaborating with other members of the health services staff and health education team.

Qualifications:

• Valid Massachusetts Registered Nurse License 
• Master’s Degree in nursing or related health field from an accredited college or university
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in the areas of:): 
• School Nurse — Grades: All levels; Professional 
• Supervisor/Director - Non-Core *;
• SEI Endorsement preferred
• 3+ years’ experience as a school nurse  or related field of pediatrics, public health, or other relevant experience, one of which is in a management position;
• Valid certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; instructor certification for CPR and First Aid recommended/required;
• Demonstrated knowledge and competencies in the administration of school health programs and services;
• Experience facilitating group decision-making among diverse groups;
• Ability to lead and coach a variety of diverse groups and establish and maintain productive working relationships;
• Ability to maintain confidential information, including but not limited to student health information and records.   
• Ability to evaluate school nurses following the collective bargaining agreement currently in effect, including its Evaluation Protocols and DESE guidelines;
• Ability to manage personal workload and prioritize tasks.  Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.   Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well with students,  staff, administration, parents, and the community;
• Commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy and developing one’s cultural proficiency; 
• Experience in supervising and evaluating staff;
• Ability to use technology effectively to support teaching and learning;
• Commitment to innovation and learning best practices in other learning environments;
• Highly motivated and able to take initiative and lead;
• Strategic thinker who can plan for short and long-term goals;
• Knowledge of current school health and education legislation/regulations;
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student;
• Must be able to assist in the protection of students and school property, and assist in fire and other emergencies or emergency drills as required by law and School Committee policy;
• The ability to work onsite in district schools and buildings is an essential function of this job. 
• Willingness to self-reflect and to grow professionally.
• Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) trained, preferred.

Essential duties and responsibilities: 

Essential duties for all administrators include supporting classroom instruction; active participation in the work of the department on professional development, activities, and procedures.

The Director of Nursing & Health Services will:

• Plan, supervise, assign, coordinate, and review the work of the school nurses;
• Work collaboratively with school administration to provide nursing staff and address the needs of each school; up to and including ensuring that each school has adequate staffing, monitoring vacancies, posting positions, interviewing and hiring personnel, and collaboratively evaluating nursing personnel;
• Develop and implement written policies and procedures for the clinical services and programs addressing health issues, such as immunizations, screenings, medication administration, services for students with special healthcare needs, and school-wide injury prevention programs;
• Evaluate the annual budget for medical supplies and make recommendations for purchase;
• Provide clinical consultation to the nursing staff, health and physical education teachers, and other administrative and teaching staff;
• Serve in a leadership capacity on the district’s Wellness Committee, and coordinates the annual kindergarten registration screening;
• Disseminate communicable disease prevention and infection control based on current guidelines for universal precautions and prevention of blood-borne pathogens exposure;
• Promote referrals to community providers of a range of services dealing with child and adolescent health;
• Coordinate and deliver professional development for all school nurses, and for other employees when requested;
• In collaboration with other school administrators and teachers, promote a physically and psychologically healthy school environment;
• Promote referral mechanisms to community providers for a range of services dealing with child and adolescent health;
• Seek opportunities to interpret the health needs of school-age children and adolescents, the goals of the health services program, and the importance of health education to administrators, school committee members, faculty, families, and the general community through special reports, the media, health fairs, and other special events;
• Prepare and administer the health services budget and grant budget;
• Order and dispense the necessary health supplies and equipment;
• Coordinates nurses’ meetings to address health service needs, concerns, and progress in achieving the goals of the program;
• Develop and implement an orientation and training program for new nurse hires and substitute nurses;
• Carries out the duties of Nurse Leader as described in the Comprehensive School Health Grant, Workforce Behavioral Health, Behavioral School Health, Emergency Response/School Crisis, and other related grants  
• Support the work of the school nurses and their clinics, including but not limited to arranging substitute coverage and nurse support for field trips, when needed.
• Develop and update safety policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with local, state, and federal regulations;
• Conduct regular safety assessments to identify potential risks and hazards on school premises;
• Collaborate with school administration, faculty, and staff to ensure the consistent implementation of safety measures;
• Design and execute emergency response plans, including evacuation procedures, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place protocols, and organizing drills and simulations to prepare students, faculty, and staff for various emergency scenarios;
• Helpt to coordinate with local emergency services and agencies to ensure a coordinated response during critical incidents;
• Support the implementation of security measures such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and visitor management protocols;
• Collect and analyze safety-related data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and potential risks;
• Serve as the point of contact during crises, coordinating communication and actions among stakeholders;
• Assist in managing communication with parents, media, and external agencies during critical incidents;
• Coordinate  with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to enhance safety measures;
• Collaborate with all stakeholders  to address student well-being and mental health concerns;;
• Arrange the assignment of professional nursing students for field observation/clinical experience in community health nursing in collaboration with educational institutions.

Reports to:        Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations 

Evaluated by:    Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations 

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Administrators Association (FAA). The work year is 215 days.

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us