Director of Health and Safety

The Director of Health and Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive health, safety, and wellness programs that support a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered learning environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This role combines leadership in school-wide health and safety practices with direct clinical oversight and nursing services. The Director serves as the school’s primary medical and health authority and ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

The Director of Health and Safety must be a Registered Nurse in good standing in the state where the school operates; a Certified School Nurse license is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Health Services & Nursing Leadership

• Serve as the school’s lead medical professional, providing oversight of all student and employee health services.
• Provide direct nursing care as needed, including assessment, first aid, medication administration, and emergency response.
• Develop and maintain individual healthcare plans (IHPs) and emergency action plans (EAPs) for students with medical needs.
• Manage communicable disease prevention, monitoring, and response protocols.
• Oversee immunization records and health documentation in compliance with state regulations.
• Collaborates with the Director of Operations for the preparation and management of the Health Services department budget 
• Assists with screening candidates for available school nurse positions, works with HR in the employment process, and provides orientation for new and/or substitute nursing employees. 
• Responsible for formal evaluations of school nurses
• Provides health and safety oversight for all school trips
• Provides health and safety oversight for DCCS Summer Programs including staffing of health room
• Serves as health room RN 2-3 days a week 

Safety, Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Develop, implement, and regularly update school-wide safety policies and procedures.
• Lead emergency preparedness planning, including drills, crisis response, lockdowns, and reunification protocols.
• Serve as a key member of the school’s crisis management and threat assessment teams.
• Conduct regular safety audits of campus facilities, playgrounds, athletic areas, and transportation procedures.
• Coordinate with local emergency responders, public health departments, and medical providers.
• Maintain accurate health, incident, and safety records.

• Develops and updates written guidelines, forms, policies and procedures for specific aspect of school nursing services (ie physicians’ standing orders, routine treatments, school and parent handbooks, DCCS school nurse manual)

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise health office staff and coordinate services across divisions (PK2–12).
• Collaborate with administrators, counselors, athletic staff, and teachers to support student well-being. Serves on committees and task forces as needed
• Arranges and conducts regular nurse meetings to share information and concerns, coordinates meeting among other agencies and personnel as needed
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding health concerns while maintaining confidentiality.
• Liaison between school and local health department
• Leads Crisis Care Team in collaboration with division counselors

Faith Integration

• Support and uphold the school’s Christian mission, values, and statement of faith.
• Model Christ-centered compassion, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all interactions.

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required
• Experience as a school nurse or in pediatric/community health; leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, school health regulations, and emergency response best practices.
• Successful completion of all background checks and child safety clearances
• CPR/AED/First Aid for Healthcare workers certified
• Current Certified School Nurse (CSN) credential, as recognized by the state. (preferred)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in emergency situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, and staff.
• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Commitment to collaboration within a faith-based educational community.
• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheets

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies across campus.
• Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
• Work primarily in a school health office and across indoor and outdoor campus settings.