Districtwide Lead Director of Health Services – Minneapolis Public Schools—Minneapolis, MN
Funtion:
Manages all school district Nursing Services (NS) Programs to meet the needs of district students; manages and coordinates the delivery of quality nursing services in school health offices in the entire district and contracted schools, in compliance with Federal, state, and local laws, and district regulations. Qualities and Characteristics desired of the Director include:
- Deep knowledge of the role of the school nurse
- Visionary for Health Services and advocate for the program
- Desire to advance, inspire excellence, and elevate nursing practice,
- Values shared decision making
- Proven record of team building
- Ability to create a positive work climate
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Directs comprehensive school Nursing Services (NS) programs in compliance with state and Federal regulations, and provides a safe and healthy learning environment for NS students.
- Provides leadership, supervision and accountability for NS and other school health programs serving MPS students; manages and coordinates the work of Nurses and administrative staff.
- Directs a variety of NS programs; interprets and enforces policies and procedures, and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, state and MPS rules and regulations.
- Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve schedules, priorities, workload, critical concerns and technical issues; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved.
- Directs and manages staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; develops staff skills, evaluates performance, and trains staff on NS programs, policies and strategies; coordinates the training and cross-training of MPS staff on NS issues, communicable diseases and infection control.
- Directs the development of solutions for NS issues; monitors and evaluates NS work groups, and assures that the services and work products meet quality and safety standards.
- Develops action plans and metrics, analyzes operational results, and assures the effective allocation and utilization of resources; manages contracts for special services;represents Health Services and the health and safety need s of students at the district level.
- Directs NS Program operations; assures the District is providing effective and efficient NS programs; coordinates responses to infectious disease concerns, and the District emergency response team.
- Directs strategic planning and needs assessments; identifies staffing and program needs and priorities.
- Directs budgeting procedures and financial management in compliance with district policies and state laws; reviews and approves reports, purchases, and payments.
- Collects and compiles data to evaluate and monitor health conditions; researches issues and provides consultation on specific NS Program issues; develops and presents reports on issues and solutions.
- Coordinates with community health service providers, advisory organizations, and state and Federal regulatory agencies; promotes the provision of high quality school health services; meets with parents, advocates and stakeholders to address and resolve community concerns.
- Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
- Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
- Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
- Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
Knowledge of:
- State and Federal laws and regulatory issues governing public health, including rules and regulations of the Minnesota Nurse Practice Act, Department of Health, and other governing agencies.
- Modern nursing principles, techniques, and procedures for the care of patients.
- Medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and concepts of disease.
- Public health and safety protocols and regional healthcare issues.
- Operations of a school health office.
- Nurse’s role in the special education process and procedures.
- Nutrition and health maintenance issues for children and young adults.
- Regional community service agencies and other governmental assistance programs.
- Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including finance, budgeting, purchasing, contract and grant management, customer service and employee supervision.
- Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.
- Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.
Skill in:
- Directing and coordinating a wide variety of NS programs and operational issues.
- Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
- Reviewing operations and assuring MPS compliance with NS laws, regulations, and rules.
- Analyzing and identifying healthcare problems, and recommending effective solutions.
- Applying public health nursing principles and and critical thinking skills, and responding appropriately to emergency situations.
- Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
- Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and evaluating staff performance.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, advocates and representatives from community groups and government agencies.
- Leading professional development planning for health services staff, as well as collaborating staff in the district
- Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
