Health Assistant (331558)

Reports To: Building Level Principal and Nursing Staff

Primary Summary: The School Health Assistant is a non-licensed temporary employee providing support to the school nurses and administration in the fight against COVID-19. The School Health Assistant is responsible for reaching out to people (contacts) who may have been exposed to COVID-19, diagnosed with COVID-19 or displaying symptoms of COVID -19 and providing health education and guidance to interrupt ongoing disease transmission. Dialogue with contacts will be guided by standard protocols to obtain any symptom history and other relevant health information, provide instructions for self-quarantine, and make appropriate referrals to testing, clinical services, and other essential support services. School Health Assistants will assist with monitoring students that are being sent home due to COVID protocols and will be responsible for documentation of all COVID related tasks throughout the work day. School Health Assistants are required to follow all designated scripts and comply with policies and procedures provided by the health department and Franklin County Schools regarding confidentiality and data security for the handling of sensitive client information and protected health information.

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree preferred or equivalent with up to two years of applicable community experience

• Experience conducting telephone-based or in-person interview, data collection and data entry are preferred

• Experience with health education, community outreach, linkage to care, social services, or other public health services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, emotional intelligence

• Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use sound judgment in responding to client issues and concerns

• Ability to read and write in English

• Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback

• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships

• Strong time management skills (organization, prioritization, multitasking)

• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team

• Proficiency with use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet)

• Proficiency with Google (i.e., Docs, Sheets, Forms)

• Proficiency with use of mobile devices (smartphones, mobile apps)

• Effective time management skills

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Initiate prompt communication with students and staff exposed to COVID-19 (contacts) through multiple communication platforms as necessary.

• Employ dynamic communication and interpersonal skills, cultural competency/sensitivity, tactful language, and empathetic interviewing skills to build rapport and maintain trust with patients of varied backgrounds.

• Verify the contact (parent/guardian)'s identity during initial communications and prior to disclosing confidential information. Assure confidentiality and carry out efforts to locate and communicate with clients in a manner that preserves the confidentiality and privacy of all involved.

• Notify the contact (parent/guardian) of their exposure to COVID-19, following a script or guidance to provide COVID-19 health education. Conduct notification of exposure in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of the patient (or person who was diagnosed with COVID-19) and ensures that the identity of the patient is NOT disclosed.

• Notify individuals in regards to return to school or work and all parties that require notification about such return.

• Complete required documentation and data tracking in regards to COVID-19 exposures and isolation timeframes.

• Completes any school health related duties as assigned by the nurse and/or Principal

Evaluated by: Building principal

FLSA Classification:Non-Exempt FCS Classified Salary Table Grade G

Terms of Employment: 10 months Temporary for 2021-2022 school year - according to Franklin County School Board Calendar

Evaluation: Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with School Board Policies and Regulations.