2026/27 School Year - Certificated Substitute School Nurse Pool

Applicants must include a copy of a valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate or a valid license to practice nursing in Washington State to be eligible for consideration. Note: depending on volume, the certification application process can take 8-10 weeks.

About the Role

The Certificated Substitute Nurse, under the general direction of the Health Services Manager, implements, manages, and delivers school health services in assigned schools and programs. The scope of practice is defined by law and standard professional nursing organizations. Seattle Public Schools screens and selects candidates from a large applicant pool to substitute within the district. Consideration for hire is based on work history, reference checks, and certification status. Current or most recent supervisor references are required.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the physical and emotional health of students as related to the educational process; manages health concerns within the scope of school nurse practice; initiates referrals for further diagnosis and treatment of identified health needs and provides follow-up; coordinates and implements health screenings mandated by law and District policy, including referral and follow-up; communicates student health concerns that may impact learning to appropriate staff with parent and/or student consent; uses electronic health records and other web-based software applications for charting, data collection, and health assessment processes. (50%)
• Provides health counseling to students, parents, and school personnel; serves as an advocate for the health rights of students and as a professional liaison between the school, family, school-based health centers, and community health partners. (10%)
• Performs professional nursing tasks as needed, including emergency services and supportive care for both staff and students; transports ill or injured students when necessary. (10%)
• Provides consultant services to school personnel regarding health issues, e.g., communicable disease control and dispensing of medications. (5%)
• Participates in school/community programs such as those relating to substance abuse and child abuse, which may include education, case finding, intervention, referral, and follow-up. (5%)
• Provides direction to classified nurses; acts as a preceptor for nursing students. (5%)
• Assists in planning health education curricula and in integrating health concepts into the total curricula; promotes positive health practices in individual contacts and in the classroom; serves as a resource to classroom teachers. (5%)
• Works as a member of a multidisciplinary assessment team to assess student health status and make appropriate recommendations for modifications of individualized student education programs. Provides for the health needs of medically fragile children in the least restrictive environment in accordance with Individual Education Plan (IEP) requirements and federal or state laws. (5%)
• Cooperates with administrators, school custodians, and other staff to identify school safety and sanitation needs; assists with the development and implementation of improvements. (2.5%)
• Initiates and/or participates as appropriate in research and data collection related to education and health care services. (2.5%)
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, including the basic community health component.
• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate.
• Valid license to practice nursing in Washington State.
• BLS Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid credentials.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and access to personal transportation.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced preparation or Master’s degree in nursing specialty or health-related areas such as health education or public health.
• Experience in community health nursing, teaching, and/or the supervision of staff.
• Advanced registered nurse license as a nurse practitioner.

Skills

• Understanding of principles of child and adolescent growth and development.
• Understanding of principles of population health/social determinants of health.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with charting using electronic health records.
• Ability to interpret students' health needs to parents and school staff within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Exhibits mature judgment, accepts responsibility, and is dependable.

Benefits

• Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law.
• Eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington. Note: This position is not eligible for health benefits.

Criminal Justice Fingerprint or Background Check required.