Company Description

Uncommon Schools (Uncommon) is a nonprofit organization that starts and manages outstanding urban charter public schools that close the achievement gap and prepare low-income students to graduate from college.  Uncommon builds uncommonly great schools by developing and managing regional networks that are philosophically aligned and highly accountable and by designing and implementing “best-in-class” teacher training.  The organization has achieved outstanding academic results based on internal assessments, statewide exams, and graduation milestones.  Its schools consistently outperform their district schools and are among the highest-performing urban schools in their cities and states.

To learn more about Uncommon click here uncommonschools.org/our-schools/uncommon-cities.  

Job Description

The Nurse plays a central role in ensuring that our students are healthy and the school in is full compliance with the state. In addition to treating students and maintaining health records, the Nurse functions as the primary contact person for all health-related issues. In this role, the Nurse must be able to communicate effectively with students, teachers, and families.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Daily Student Health Needs:

• Meets all health-related concerns for students
• Provides daily, individual care to students with extensive physical needs
• Manages daily medications required by students
• Advises the Director of Operations and other school staff as needed regarding initiatives, processes, and systems necessary to ensure a healthy school community
• Creates a comforting and nurturing environment for ill students
• Drafts communications as needed for pertinent health concerns applicable to the school community
• Immediately communicates suspicion of neglect or abuse to school leaders, including proposed plan of action
• Provides regular updates to school leaders regarding any contact with child welfare agencies (DCF)
• Provides regular updates to school leaders regarding conversations with outside doctors and insurance agents as it relates to ongoing and previous claims
• Effectively maintains supply inventory with advance warning provided for items that need to be ordered
• Maintains student health equipment
• Keeps an organized work area
• Participates in necessary student health events that may occur on non-school days, e.g., New Student Registration
• Provides clear instructions and systems to Director of Operations, Office Manager, and Teachers for students who require medication
• Conducts state mandated health screenings annually to all students according to state standards

Records Management:

• Effectively and efficiently manages the systems for student health paperwork
• Ensures 100% collection of student health documentation for incoming new students
• Maintains physical student health files – organized and up-to-date
• Ensures electronic medical records are up-to-date with student health alerts
• Maintains the student health tracker spreadsheet indicating needed and missing documents
• Audits student health files annually
• Transfers all health materials and necessary information for student transfers between campuses
• Maintains the security of confidential information
• Collects and maintains student incident forms, ensuring that all applicable parties have documented all pertinent details
• Completes all government reports related to health (including, but not limited to, immunization report, Tuberculosis Report, etc.)
• Manages the collection and maintenance of health records for students and personnel information (e.g., receive forms and paperwork, track missing forms, manage databases, update emergency contact information, and keep records current).

Qualifications

• Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
• BSN or Masters in Nursing Required
• Two full years of employment as a Registered Nurse in a child health, community health, or other relevant clinical nursing setting is desired.
• Completion of an orientation program based on the requirements for delivery of school health services as defined by the Department of Public Health
• Passing score on the [MTEL] Communication and Literacy Skills test is desired.
• Certification in CPR, including AED training
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Maturity and ability to work independently
• Outstanding communication skills and strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines
• Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities preferred

Must hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license before starting employment:

• Must hold current Massachusetts professional license issued by appropriate licensing board
• Nurse must hold a registered nurse's (RN) license but does not need to hold a Professional Support Personnel license as a school nurse

Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. 

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $61,000-$66,000. The starting compensation for this role is between $61,00 to $85,200.  The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience in a directly aligned role.  Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members. 

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • Pension through Mass. Teachers Retirement System  
  • 403(b) retirement savings program 
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial  planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.