Program Nurse

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County. 

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The School Nurse at La Cheim School delivers trauma-informed, evidence-based medical and mental health services in a non-traditional school setting for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. The nurse integrates psychiatric-mental health and school nursing practices to promote student wellness, support crisis stabilization, and facilitate academic engagement.

The School Nurse provides direct services including individual health assessments, medication administration, care coordination, psychoeducation, classroom observations, and participation in multidisciplinary meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Valid State of California Registered Nurse License
2. BS in Nursing preferred
3. Two years' experience with youth, preferred
4. Fluent computer skills
5. Strong verbal skills
6. Able to establish rapport with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
7. Must have a valid California Driver License and car insurance
8. Must be able to pass all required tests and clearances (Live Scan (DOJ, FBI, Guardian) TB test, etc.)

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

1. Functions as a "team player," prioritizing the organization's best interests
2. Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and ways to contribute
3. Exhibits creativity, adaptability, openness, and a high level of professionalism
4. Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills
5. Maintains confidentiality with discretion
6. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
7. Works effectively independently and pays close attention to detail
8. Collaborates well with other agency staff
9. Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.
10. Exhibit a strong professional commitment and represent La Cheim effectively while engaging with the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is the extent of the specific activity required for this position:

1. Stairs – climbing stairs up to – up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.
2. Sitting – up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing – up to 4 hours, not continuously
3. Walking – up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over – up to 1 hour, not continuously.
4. Crawling – up to 0 hours; climbing – up to 0 hours, reaching overhead – up to a few minutes.
5. Crouching – up to ½ hour, not continuously; kneeling – up to a few minutes
6. Balancing – up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling – up to a few minutes.
7. Lifting or carrying – 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet – up to 0 hours
8. Repetitive use of hands – up to 0 hours
9. Grasping – with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously
10. Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously Auditory and visual acuity – 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.
11. Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop
12. Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise
13. Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.
14. Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Conduct health assessments, screenings, and develop care plans.
2. Administer medications, manage refills, and maintain accurate MAR documentation.
3. Address urgent medical needs and make appropriate referrals within Contra Costa County and Alameda County.
4. Maintain updated records and complete Medi-Cal billing progress notes within 3 days of service.
5. Monitor for signs of physical or emotional distress and initiate timely interventions.
6. Participate in crisis response using evidence-based de-escalation techniques.
7. Engage with students across the school day, including classroom observation, elective, and lunch.
8. Support students in emotional regulation and psychosocial rehabilitation activities.
9. Actively participate in IEP and Child and Family Team meetings, contributing nursing expertise to treatment plans. Engage with outside providers of youth's treatment team
10. Coordinate care with internal teams, guardians, juvenile hall, hospitals, and outside providers.
11. Ensure HIPAA-compliant communication and maintain professional boundaries.
12. Lead monthly health education classes for students.
13. Train staff on health and safety procedures within the nurse's scope of practice.
14. Promote awareness of chronic illness management, hygiene, medication adherence, and emotional wellness.
15. Maintain an audit-ready, safe, and stocked nursing station.
16. Ensure compliance with infection control policies, medication handling regulations, and confidentiality standards.
17. Assist with CPS reports when needed.
18. Collaborate with school Psychologist to schedule weekly on site psychiatrist appointments.
19. Secure consents, medical records, and documentation from guardians or court-appointed representatives.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Complete all required trainings as assigned
2. Attend all mandatory meetings
3. Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s)
4. Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.
5. Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.
6. Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO