Interim Director of Health Services
Position Title: Interim Director of Health Services
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Term: 1 year Interim position beginning September 1, 2026
Location: Districtwide (Dedham Public Schools)
Position Overview
Dedham Public Schools is seeking an experienced and visionary Interim Director of Health Services to provide dynamic, districtwide leadership during a transitional period.
The Interim Director will ensure the seamless delivery of high-quality, safe, and compassionate health services across all school buildings. This role is pivotal in maintaining regulatory compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Public Health (DPH) standards, leading nurse recruitment and mentorship, managing state grant programs, and optimizing daily operations to support student wellness and academic success.
Key Responsibilities
District Operations & Compliance
- Regulatory Oversight: Ensure districtwide compliance with DESE regulations (603 CMR 7.00), DPH mandates (including 105 CMR 210.000 for medication administration and delegation), and local district policies.
- Grant Management: Oversee and manage the Comprehensive School Health Services (CSHS) grant and behavioral health grant deliverables, budgeting, data collection, and state reporting.
- Logistics & Purchasing: Oversee health services logistics, medical supply procurement, purchase orders, vendor contracts, and invoice processing.
Staffing, Leadership & Mentorship
- Daily Staffing & Coverage: Direct and schedule full-time nursing staff and substitute nurses to guarantee a minimum of one licensed, trained school nurse in every building daily.
- High-Acuity Student Care: Strategically prioritize and allocate nursing resources to support high-acuity medical needs, with particular emphasis on middle school and specialized program coverage.
- Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Lead urgent hiring, onboarding, orientation, and mentorship for new nursing staff and sub-pool candidates.
- Credential Tracking: Systematically monitor staff licensure, DESE/DPH waivers, CPR/AED certifications, and continuing education requirements.
Clinical Leadership & Student Support
- Delegation & Protocols: Oversee medication delegation protocols, nursing procedures, individualized healthcare plans (IHPs), 504/IEP health accommodations, and field trip coverage plans.
- Professional Development: Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development, training, and clinical skill updates for health office staff.
- Forward Planning: Lead strategic planning for summer program health coverage, fall staffing readiness, and succession planning for anticipated retirements or leaves.
Qualifications
Required:
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university.
- Licensure:
- Current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Active DESE School Nurse License (All Levels) or immediate eligibility.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of school nursing experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or administrative experience in a school health setting.
- Certifications: Current CPR/AED Instructor or Healthcare Provider certification.
Preferred:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Education, or Healthcare Administration.
- Prior experience managing CSHS state grants and school-based behavioral health initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of DESE regulations, DPH school health mandates, and special education health requirements.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, crisis management, and written/verbal communication skills.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, copy of Massachusetts RN and DESE licenses, and three professional references via SchoolSpring (or preferred district portal).
Dedham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks a diverse workforce and is committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable environment for all students and staff.