Director of Health Services

The Director of Health Services of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Superintendent.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future. 

Job Functions: The Health Center Director oversees the delivery of comprehensive health services for students across the school and residential programs. This role manages nursing staff, ensures compliance with state-mandated health services, and supports the health and well-being of students with complex needs.

• Supervise nursing staff, including scheduling, performance evaluations, and corrective actions.
• Provide leadership and clinical oversight to day, evening, and overnight health services.
• Identify and recommend an Electronic Health Record (ERH) system appropriate for OSB’s specific needs; work to migrate physical health records to a digital system. 
• Maintain student health records and lead completion of all mandated reporting requirements.
• Coordinate the delivery of all required state-mandated health services and timely emergency response protocols.
• Serve on the school safety committee and ensure timely state-mandated reporting of incidents and medication variances.
• Collaborate with healthcare partners, including local hospitals, and public health authorities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Health Plans (IHPs), Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and medication protocols.
• Serve as the primary health liaison on the Admission Team for all new admissions, coordinating with families, primary care providers, specialists, and hospitals.
• Manage health services inventory, budget planning, and department compliance procedures.
• Support recruitment, hiring, and ongoing professional development training of health services staff.
• Provide health counseling and collaborate with school staff to address students' physical, emotional, and social needs.
• Establish, implement, and monitor protocols for medication administration, infection control, and emergency response.
• Ensure all staff are trained in basic health procedures, including CPR, first aid, and protocols for conditions in the population served at OSB. 
• Ensure compliance and work collaboratively with the Philadelphia Department of Health, the PA Department of Education, and IDEA/Section 504 regulations. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential student health records.
• Develop, update, and implement school-wide health procedures and communicable disease management.
• Participate in IEP and multidisciplinary team meetings as the health services representative.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) by the Commonwealth of  PA Required
• School Nurse Certification by the Commonwealth of PA Required.
• Experience in supervisory roles within a school or pediatric health setting.
• Experience in coordinated care of multiple disabled, medically fragile children.
• Experience in participation in medical examinations and review of medical findings/records to evaluate health status of students and medical status within an educational program.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum. Participate in 2-person lifts. 
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.