Pupil Health & Welfare Specialist in Belfast

Job Purpose: To be responsible for a confidential pupil care, health and hygiene service at school.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pupil Care: Care for all sick pupils and arrange supervised and secure transport for sick/injured pupils to be taken home or to hospital as required. Ensure that pupils requiring regular medication maintain their treatment under the written advice of their medical practitioner and with the written permission of their parent/guardian. Inform principal/teacher and parents/guardians when medical attention is required. Organise and assist during all educational/medical welfare service visits. Provide consultation to individuals or groups on health related issues as required. Communicate with appropriate personnel regarding welfare of pupils. Regularly inspect the cloakroom/toilet areas for standards of hygiene. Advise Principal on occupational health issues and risk assessment after accidents. Advise Principal on health and safety issues related to the post.
• Administration: Operate manual and/or computerised information systems in relation to administrative tasks associated with the area of work. Complete and submit all records/returns as required. Maintain an inventory/records of resources. Order/purchase, receive, check, store, securely and distribute resources. Assist in school administration and photocopy as directed.
• General: Assist in maintaining standards of good order and cleanliness in the medical room and throughout the school. Implement all relevant school policies and procedures. Participate in any relevant training as directed by the Principal. Carry out any other duties as may be assigned within the level of the post.

Flexible Working Options:

• Option 1: Required to be on duty during school term plus two additional weeks, timing of the additional weeks at the discretion of the Principal.
• Option 2: Required to be on duty for contracted weekly hours, working during periods of school closure except when on annual leave or other authorized absence. Duties will normally be provided by the school; alternative work or training may be provided by the Authority as required.
• Option 3: Work as for option 2 with the further option to request periods of unpaid leave during extended school holidays or closures.

Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, due regard for equality legislation at all times (Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998).

Essential Criteria:

• Experience: Have an up‑to‑date first aid certificate or a nursing qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council or a health care support qualification, and a minimum of one year’s experience in a paid capacity of working in a supervisory, caring or nursing role.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of the requirements of a Pupil Welfare Auxiliary, welfare issues, health and hygiene issues.

Additional Essential Criteria:

• Evidence of an ability to diagnose ailments and injuries.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven effective team working skills.
• Evidence of good planning and organising skills to ensure work is completed on time to the required standard.
• Evidence of good ICT skills.
• Values orientation reflecting the school’s values/ethos.

Desirable Criteria:

• Hold a nursing qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Have a minimum of 6 months’ experience of working with children in a supervisory, caring or nursing role in a post‑primary school.
• Have experience in a paid capacity of working in a school.