The Director of Health Services at Gould Academy leads and manages a team of health staff, including nurses, school counselors, an athletic trainer, and an administrative assistant. As a registered professional nurse, the Director oversees the smooth operation of health services and ensures that the delivery of care meets high standards. Additionally, the Director serves as a Professional School Nurse, enhancing the educational process by improving and protecting the health of students. School nursing services focus on preventing illness and disability, as well as early detection and correction of health problems for day and boarding adolescent students.
The Director promotes a strong student-centered approach that exemplifies a respectful, inclusive, and dynamic environment. This involves fostering resilience, respect, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging.
Relationships
- All Gould Employees and Affiliates.
- Serves as the contact person for independent and contracted providers.
- Works closely with faculty and staff members who work directly with students.
- Works closely with parents to support student health needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Director of Health Services
Policy Development/ Practices and Coordination
- Develop, maintain, and revise school health policies as directed by the Assistant Head of School
- Establish procedures and standing orders for the Health Services department.
- Coordinate the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Student Health Services at Gould Academy
- Manage the Health Center budget.
Medication Administration and Record Keeping
- Safely implements the school medication policy and procedure, including oversight for medication administration by unlicensed assistive personnel.
- Prepares necessary health records, first aid kits, and medications for off-campus trips and activities.
- Tracks student immunization status and TB screening for compliance with State and Gould Academy standards, offering a yearly influenza clinic.
Crisis Management
- Take a leadership role when necessary and appropriate in a situation involving a student's health and well-being.
- Key school leader in Crisis Management Team/Safety Committee
Staff Management
- Ensures scheduling of regular staff meetings with appropriate individual follow-up with Health Center Staff.
- Delegate different jobs or responsibilities to the health services team, including shifts and campus coverage
- Ensure staff are mission-aligned, following sound and safe principles, and always seeking to improve.
- Participate or delegate attendance in student experience/wellness meetings
Consultation and External Relations
- Serve as a liaison and consultant to Gould administrators of different programs and departments (Admissions, Academic Skills Program, Academics, Athletics, Community Life, Dorm Heads, etc).
- Act as the point person/liaison to outside health care resources (Bethel Family Health Center, outside physicians, therapists, and providers).
- Manage contracts and/or relationships with these outside resources/providers.
- Support the Admission Office by reviewing student files and conducting conversations with outside mental health professionals as needed during the admission process
- Manage student medical leaves and communicate needed information to key stakeholders.
Staff Development and Recruitment
- Mentor and train Health Center staff to help them reach their highest potential and enhance a culture of accountability and professionalism.
- Support performance evaluations to assess performance and provide constructive feedback and support for their professional growth.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to hire and recruit personnel, ensuring the school's needs are met.
Personnel Matters and Support
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders on personnel matters, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
- Provide support to faculty, when necessary, with Performance Development Plans (PDP) and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) to address areas of improvement and promote professional development.
