Health and Medical officer

confidential; Colchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Athona Nursing seeks a Health & Medical Officer to manage the school Medical Room in Colchester, Essex. This temporary post supports student health, safety and wellbeing by delivering first aid, medication management and safeguarding in a busy school environment during term time (40 weeks/year).

You will work closely with parents, school staff and external healthcare professionals, develop individual healthcare plans, maintain confidential records and uphold safeguarding standards while

Qualifications

• First Aid at Work qualification - 3 day course.
• Successful experience working with children, preferably within a school environment.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification or relevant experience.
• Good knowledge of healthcare procedures, regulations and guidance.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good working knowledge of ICT and administrative systems.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for safe storage, management and administration of student medication with parental consent.
• Provide first aid and immediate medical assistance to students and staff.
• Oversee care and wellbeing of students who become unwell or injured during the school day.
• Liaise with parents, healthcare professionals and school staff regarding medical needs.
• Develop and maintain individual healthcare plans with parents and healthcare professionals.

Skills

First Aid at Work

Experience with children

ICT & admin systems

Health & safety knowledge

Literacy & numeracy

Communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Health & Medical Officer – School Setting

Location: Colchester Essex

Position: Health & Medical Officer ( Temporary Post )

Setting: School

Working Weeks: 40 weeks per year – term time only

Working Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 3:30pm

About the Role

Athona Nursing is currently seeking an experienced and compassionate Health & Medical Officer to work within a school setting in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for a healthcare professional with strong clinical, organisational and communication skills to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school’s Medical Room.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff by providing first aid, managing medication, overseeing medical needs and working closely with parents, school staff and external healthcare professionals.

You will also support students with specific medical conditions, develop individual healthcare plans and ensure that appropriate medical procedures and safeguarding standards are maintained throughout the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the safe storage, management and administration of student medication, with appropriate parental consent.
• Provide first aid and immediate medical assistance to students and staff when required.
• Oversee the care and wellbeing of students who become unwell or sustain injuries during the school day.
• Liaise with parents, healthcare professionals, specialist nurses and medical personnel regarding students’ medical needs.
• Develop and maintain individual healthcare plans in collaboration with parents and healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student medical records and update relevant school management systems.
• Complete accident reports and maintain accurate first aid and medical room records.
• Advise and support school staff with relevant medical procedures and training.
• Coordinate student immunisation programmes, including scheduling, consent forms and arrangements.
• Ensure first aid equipment and medical room supplies are maintained and appropriately stocked.
• Support health education initiatives, including delivering CPR training to students as part of the curriculum.
• Complete risk assessments and healthcare plans for school trips, visits and overnight stays.
• Provide appropriate health and sexual health advice to students referred by the pastoral team.
• Ensure all medical room procedures comply with school policies, health and safety requirements and safeguarding guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student medical information and follow relevant child protection procedures.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• First Aid at Work qualification -3 day course
• Successful experience working with children, preferably within a school environment.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification or relevant experience.
• Good knowledge of relevant healthcare procedures, regulations and guidance.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good working knowledge of ICT and administrative systems.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements and safeguarding procedures.

Essential Skills & Personal Attributes

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, colleagues, parents, carers and external healthcare professionals.
• Confidence in preparing reports, writing basic correspondence and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to adapt communication approaches to overcome barriers when working with children and adults.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Working with Children

• Understanding of child development and the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Ability to support children with additional needs, disabilities or medical conditions.
• Understanding of behaviour management within a school environment.
• Awareness of the Essex Stages of Assessment and a basic understanding of the school curriculum.
• Ability to promote a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Teamwork & Organisation

• Ability to build positive, respectful and trusting relationships with children, parents, colleagues and external agencies.
• Confidence working independently and as part of a wider school team.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to deal effectively with unexpected situations and meet deadlines.
• Flexible, proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Willingness to undertake further training and support the development of relevant school staff.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Responsibilities include

• Following school safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Reporting any safeguarding concerns or disclosures to the appropriate designated person.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive medical information appropriately.
• Understanding and implementing relevant health and safety procedures.
• Demonstrating a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.