Overview

We are looking for a Health Care Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis covering two days a week, to support with the smooth and efficient running of the School’s Medical room. The post holder will assist with the provision of high-quality nursing care to pupils and first aid care to all member of the school community.

The post holder will be line managed by the School Nurse. Whilst a healthcare background is not essential, an awareness of the health requirements of young people and experience in providing health care support would be advantageous.

Job Summary

To be a Health Care Assistant based in the Medical room serving a community of approximately 480 pupils. The post holder will need to be organised, happy to treat minor ailments under the direction of the School Nurse and assist with the day-to-day running of the medical room. A caring but firm manner and an ability to understand and help young people would be an advantage.

Job description

To assist the School Nurse with the running of the Medical room in line with the recommended best practice guidelines from the Royal College of Nursing, Boarding Schools Association and Department for Education.

• To provide care to sick, injured and pupils who may be suffering with their emotional/mental health, in a friendly and caring manner.
• To administer over-the-counter, prescription and controlled drug medications under the supervision of the School Nurse and ensure that accurate records of these are kept.
• To check all first aid boxes on site, ensuring that the documentation is up-to-date and consumables are in date.
• To assist with preparation, updating and archiving of medical records.
• To support the School Nurse with the data inputting of pupils medical forms on to their school medical records.
• To maintain current own First Aid Qualification (training can be arranged) and mandatory training.
• To be friendly and caring with the ability to relate to children, young adults, parents and fellow professionals.
• To communicate as appropriate with the School Nurse, Head of Boarding, Designated Safeguarding Lead and other pastoral staff within the school.
• To adhere to individual health care plans for pupils with specific health care needs.
• Be willing to carry out additional medical tasks for pupils with specific health care needs under the guidance of the school nurse, for example supporting a pupil with medication for diabetes or a pupil having an epileptic seizure. Training will be provided.
• To assist with organising and co-ordinating immunisation sessions with the School Age Immunisation team.
• To ensure that medical and sensitive information is kept confidential within the medical room and only shared in accordance with caldicot principles.
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, keep up-to-date with relevant clinical and healthcare issues relevant to schools.
• To continuously promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Support and contribute to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding pupils, escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately and in a timely manner.
• To keep accurate records of visits to the medical room.
• Ensure that all accidents are recorded on the school system and reported to HSE in accordance with the guidance on RIDDOR, if appropriate.
• To keep personal training and knowledge up to date by attending relevant courses and conferences.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required that are related to the job purpose from time to time.

Qualifications & Person Specification

Essential:

• Enhanced DBS clearance or prepared to have this undertaken
• Ability to work effectively both in collaboration with others and independently, using own initiative.
• High standard of clinical work, decision making and competence.
• Good basic office administration and IT skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including listening skills and the ability to communicate with children, parents and other members of staff.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Understand safeguarding procedures and keeping confidentiality.
• Willing to learn and undertake further training.

Desirable:

• Current First Aid at Work or Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Previous experience working as a Health Care Assistant or a similar role within a school setting.
• Experience of working within education, childcare provision or paediatric healthcare.
• Experience with working with children and families.
• Treating sports injuries.

Hours

8.00am-5:30pm Monday and Tuesday with 30minutes for lunch, term time - 35 weeks per year:

Start date

Either 24th February 2025 or 28th April 2025