Position Summary

The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) provides a variety of school health services to meet the needs of students ages preschool to young adult at school districts, charter schools and HCOE programs.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The work of the HCOE LVN emphasizes the important role school health services play in promoting academic success through regular student attendance and reliable, safe health services while present at school.  The LVN collaborates with education and health service providers, parents and students to ensure school health services.  The position is itinerant; the LVN travels throughout Humboldt County.  Work is performed within the scope of practice of the LVN licensure.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The HCOE LVN is supervised by a credentialed school nurse and/or a health services administrator at HCOE.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide school health care to students.
• Assist with health screening programs.
• Carry out first aid emergency procedures.
• Train school staff in first aid/CPR under appropriate certification.
• Maintain school health records and files.
• Prepare reports and billing documentation.
• Promote health service referral follow-up.
• Collaborate with the school nurse, parents/guardians, school staff and community health service providers.
• Maintain supplies.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Standard health terminology, services, procedures and practices relevant to an LVN;
• Student behavior and communication needs;
• Community health resources, including emergency resources;
• Mandated child abuse reporting requirements;
• Office terminology, procedures and equipment.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with both children and adults;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility;
• Work under direct and indirect supervision;
• Learn policies, procedures and laws associated with school health services;
• Recognize and prevent safety hazards;
• Perform routine clerical work;
• Supervise children in classrooms, outside and on transportation;
• Follow HIIPAA and FERPA laws;
• Communicate effectively via telephone, computer, email and in person.

Education and Experience

• S. Degree in Licensed Vocational Nursing;
• State of California LVN license.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with children.
• Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience working with children and young adults with disabilities.
• Experience with medication administration and specialized physical healthcare procedures, such as gastrostomy tube feeding.
• Second language is highly desirable (ex: Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong).

Note:  Upon employment, the LVN must pursue certification as a Certified School Audiometrist.  Employer will cover associated costs.

Working Conditions

This position is Monday through Friday and corresponds to the teacher’s school calendar schedule.  The employee will need to be able to report to multiple worksites in a given day or during the work week.

Environmental Elements

Staff in this position will be assigned to an office setting, either at HCOE or at district school sites.  The position requires car travel to numerous schools and making occasional home visits.  The employee will be expected to work closely with school personnel, students, families and community providers in person, via email and over the phone.  The employee will be assigned to school site settings where multiple children, school staff and families are present.  Employees will be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor education and home visit environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction or upset staff, parents or students.

Physical Demands

• Ambulate effectively within the classroom and in outside settings;
• Walk or be otherwise mobile on school grounds, sometimes up to 4-5 miles per day when shuttling students for screenings;
• Move between indoor and outdoor work locations and stand/move/sit for extended periods;
• Lift heavy objects (up to 40 lbs) on an intermittent basis;
• Bend, kneel and/or sit at children’s level on a frequent basis;
• Sufficient hand, arm and finger dexterity to use a computer keyboard and other office equipment;
• Hearing and speaking skills to project voice and communicate with staff and students in classroom settings and outside, in one-on-one conversations and speaking to groups;
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and computer screens and to observe students for school health services.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; California driver’s license required, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Range 9

Reclassified from Range 35

Personnel Commission Approved:  April 19, 2022

Modified 05/2024 PC Approved: 06/11/24