Southeast Region School Nurse Consultant

Southeast Region School Nurse Consultant

POSITION SUMMARY Full Time School Nurse position for the Regional Nurse Consultant Program. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and leadership development. The Southeast Region, School Nurse Consultant (RC) works closely with the Brockton Public Schools Nursing Team, as well as with the School Health Services Unit of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and other Regional Consultant colleagues. This position is for the school year plus 4 weeks (2 weeks after/2 weeks before).

The Brockton Public Schools ensures student success by fulfilling the educational, social and emotional needs of all students in the pursuit of instructional excellence.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid Massachusetts Teaching License in:

• Current license as an RN in Massachusetts.

• Professional school nurse licensure from Massachusetts Department of Education required.

• Current BLS Certification. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Brockton Public Schools seeks candidates whose background, teaching, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of education.

• Graduate of an RN Nursing Program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing.

• Bachelor''s degree required. Master's degree preferred.

• At least 3 years experience as a school nurse in Massachusetts.

• Experience in pediatric, public health, or other relevant nursing experience is preferred. SKILLS AND ABILITY To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

• Assume responsibility for updating knowledge and skill in community health, management and related fields as new information emerges.

• Complete ongoing continuing education programs pertinent to the evolving specialty area of school health and school nursing practice, as well as meet the continuing education requirements for nursing licensure in Massachusetts and Department of Education certification.

• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from students, staff, parents, and community members.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.

• Sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate information, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recommend appropriate courses of action.

• Capacity to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and ongoing professional learning to inform instructional and practice decisions.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects.

• Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with district requirements, state and federal laws, and Brockton Public Schools policies.

• Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and student records.

• Professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or challenging situations.

• Proficiency in using technology and willingness to learn new tools; ability to operate a computer and utilize software, including Infinite Campus & SNAP.

• Willingness to plan, coordinate, and participate in ongoing professional learning, coaching, and staff development.

• Experience in evaluating student skills, interpreting assessment data, and writing clear, concise reports.

• Strong collaborative, instructional, coaching, and leadership skills to support student programming.

• Ability to use data effectively to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.

• Knowledge of specialized content areas, relevant laws, and educational procedures.

• Ability to plan and implement lessons that align with district and school goals.

• Proficiency in integrating instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.

• A proactive, reflective, and solution-focused approach to supporting student growth and success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The CSHS Regional School Nurse Consultant (RC) is responsible for:

• Facilitating school health program design and the implementation of these programs while demonstrating high quality standards of school nursing practice within their assigned region.
• The RC will be accountable for providing health education utilizing innovative approaches for all individuals, schools, and communities seeking assistance as it applies to school health.
• The RC is also responsible for providing updates in all areas of school health including those relating to clinical skills, research, and leadership.
• The RC works closely with MDPH as well as public and private, local and regional school districts, health officials and other DPH programs, regional office staff, etc. to design programs, policies and reimbursement strategies for school health services throughout the assigned region. COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES-REGIONAL CONSULTANT PROGRAM SCOPE OF SERVICES 1.Required Services and Programming The Regional Consultant's responsibilities are as follows:
• Identify and provide support to all Model CSHS programs, Affiliated programs and all other public schools including charter schools and collaborative programs as well as non-public schools in the EOHHS region assigned to the program. Provide consultation and technical assistance to these programs (including their own host district), as needed. This should include telephone consultation, meetings and site visits. Consultation content areas may include but not be limited to: clinical services, leadership development, policy and program development, budgeting, etc.
• Workforce Investment funding project. This project will involve partnering with BU SHIELD and the MASSTART program to develop and provide supplementary regional hands-on training for state-mandated screenings as well as complex care skills. This may include partnerships with local higher education and health care partners for simulation experiences. These partnerships may also lead to the creation of education-to-workforce pipelines and opportunities for nursing students to experience school nursing during their clinical rotations.
• Schedule a minimum of three meetings annually (a minimum of five hours in duration) within the region for all Model CSHS programs, Affiliated schools/districts and all other public and non-public school nurse managers to provide networking and consultation in areas such as clinical services, leadership development, policy development, the role of the nurse manager, emergency preparedness planning, data collection, budget, funding opportunities, nursing practice issues, etc. Please note: The DPH School Health Unit staff should be invited to these meetings.
• Make site visits to all CSHS programs at least annually; for programs with new leadership, this should be done quarterly. Provide management, financial and program consultation on CSHS grant funds, including review of annual budget expenditures.
• Explore common issues and resources in the region, such as school nursing workforce development, leadership skills, etc. with community partnerships.
• Represent school health on the regional emergency planning committees and other committees/coalitions across the region as appropriate.
• Collaborate with both local and "regional" primary care providers (PCPs) and other providers to identify issues related to providing and linking healthcare systems with school health services.
• Establish communication systems to meet the needs of the specific region. This may include listservs, discussion boards, etc. Regional Consultants are expected to maintain these communication systems and moderate them regularly. Communication systems should support both learning across programs in the same region as well as provide a mechanism for all schools to communicate with DPH and for DPH to provide time-sensitive information to all schools. The DPH School Health Unit staff should be included in all group discussions.
• Attend all required CSHS meetings, including Regional Consultant and CSHS Evaluation meetings as organized by the Department.
• Attend and participate in delivering content in all DPH mandated training programs annually, including Foundations of School Nursing Practice, Medication Administration, Health Screening Programs, Leadership trainings, etc.
• As appropriate, work with the Boston University School Health Institute for Education and Leadership Development (SHIELD) to provide attendees of professional development programs with professional development points (PDP's) or continuing nursing education units (CNE's); programs must not duplicate the role of SHIELD.
• Collaborate with state agencies serving children in the region, e.g., Department of Mental Health, Department of Children and Families, etc.
• Advise DPH on issues relating to child health and developing the school health service system across the Commonwealth. This consultation will include the School Health Unit and involve serving on local, regional, and statewide committees.
• Agree to join with the other Regional Consultant school districts to develop an article on Regional Consultant schools for publication in years 2-3 of the contract. Please note: the DPH School Health Unit will continue to assume responsibility for consulting on regulatory/legal issues pertaining to school health. The DPH School Health Unit will also maintain responsibility for the evaluation of the Regional Consultant program. 1.Continuous Quality Improvement and Evaluation:
• Serve on requested DPH CSHS Committees and provide all districts in the region with assistance to complete CQI projects. Regional Consultants will serve as both facilitators and consultants to all quality improvement projects that are conducted both locally and regionally.
• Regional Consultation program evaluation will include the outcomes of both regional consultation and technical assistance provided to all schools within the defined region, as well as participation at all DPH mandated programs. PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to move about and traverse throughout the school building.
• Must often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time.
• It is occasionally required to reach, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Is expected to lift at least 20 lbs (i.e., books, school supplies, etc.) and transport equipment
• Must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and use hand strength to grasp tools.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Must communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff in person, via email, and on the telephone.
• Must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety and provide instruction.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• May be required to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.
• Must interact with students, parents, and staff and meet multiple demands.
• While most of the workday is spent inside, must spend time outdoors for recess and special activities.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, disease, or pathogens.
• May receive injuries from aggressive students.
• May require physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling behavior. REPORTS TO
• Director of Health Services