Organization: Silverleaf Academy Ltd, Tanzania

Location: Silverleaf Academy Usa River Campus, Tanzania

Position: School Nurse / Counsellor

Contract Type: Full Time Contract Duration: 1 year Line Manager: Head Teacher Direct Reports: None

Organisation

Silverleaf Academy is a chain of affordable private pre-primary and primary schools, educating children aged 2-14. Our mission is to provide lower-middle-income families in Tanzania with the highest quality learning at the most affordable levels. Using the national Tanzanian curriculum, Silverleaf schools deploy an inclusive, tech-supported curriculum inside every classroom, and adopt an innovative team-teaching approach and in-service training program. Our schools are specifically designed to build both student academic competencies and wider life, leadership, and learning skills. It is our promise to our students and their parents that Silverleaf students will not leave school without full mastery of the basic skills of writing, reading and math, while also being prepared for a world where critical thinking, team collaboration, and entrepreneurship are paramount. Silverleaf currently has one fully operational campus in Usa River serving approximately 550 pre-primary to standard 7 students. By January 2025, the target is to grow the Usa River campus to over 1,000 daycare up to standard 7 students. In addition, the organization will set the foundation for the acquisition of two new campuses serving a further 500 students by January 2025.

Role

The purpose of the Nurse / Counsellor role at Silverleaf Academy is to ensure the holistic well-being of students aged 2-14 by providing compassionate healthcare and emotional support within a nurturing educational environment. By integrating clinical expertise with counselling skills, this is a pivotal role in promoting physical health, mental wellness, and resilience among students, thereby fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning and personal growth. Through proactive health assessments, targeted interventions, and collaborative partnerships with parents, staff, and the wider community, the Nurse / Counsellor strives to empower students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, laying the foundation for lifelong health and success.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Student Health Outcomes: Measure improvements in students’ physical and mental health indicators over time, such as reduced absenteeism due to illness and improved emotional well-being.
2. Parent Satisfaction: Evaluate feedback from parents and guardians regarding the quality of healthcare and counselling services provided to their children, including responsiveness, communication, and effectiveness of interventions.
3. Emergency Response Effectiveness: Assess the timeliness and appropriateness of responses to medical emergencies within the school environment, including the successful management of critical incidents and the implementation of follow-up measures.
4. Staff Preparedness: Gauge the level of preparedness and confidence among school staff in handling health-related issues and emergencies, as evidenced by participation in training sessions and adherence to established protocols.
5. Community Engagement Impact: Evaluate the impact of health promotion initiatives and community engagement efforts on the broader school community, including increased access to healthcare resources and heightened awareness of health-related issues.

Responsibilities

1. Health Assessment and Care: Conduct regular health assessments for students aged 2-14, including monitoring growth and development, administering medications as prescribed, and providing basic first aid when necessary.
2. Emotional Support and Counselling: Offer emotional support and counselling services to students, addressing issues such as anxiety, stress, and behavioral concerns. Implement appropriate therapeutic interventions to support students’ mental well-being.
3. Health Education: Develop and deliver health education programs for students, focusing on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, and sexual health. Collaborate with teachers to integrate health promotion activities into the curriculum.
4. Collaboration with Parents and Guardians: Communicate with parents and guardians regarding students’ health and well-being, including providing updates on health assessments, offering guidance on health-related matters, and facilitating referrals to external healthcare providers when necessary.
5. Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to medical emergencies within the school environment, providing immediate care and coordinating with emergency services as needed. Offer support to staff and students during crisis situations.
6. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential records of students’ health assessments, counselling sessions, and medical treatments. Ensure compliance with relevant privacy regulations and school policies.
7. Staff Training and Support: Provide training and support to school staff on topics related to health promotion, first aid, and mental health awareness. Offer guidance and consultation to teachers and administrators regarding students’ health concerns.
8. Health Promotion Initiatives: Plan and implement health promotion initiatives within the school community, such as vaccination campaigns, health screenings, and wellness events. Collaborate with external partners to enhance the impact of these initiatives.
9. Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance access to healthcare resources for students and their families. Participate in relevant community outreach activities.
10. Professional Development: Stay updated on current best practices in nursing and counselling through continuing education, professional conferences, and relevant literature. Seek opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Diploma in Clinical Medicine or equivalent
• Valid nursing license in Tanzania
• Formal training in counselling
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a school nurse or in a similar role.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Knowledge of school health policies and regulations.
• Compassionate and patient demeanor with a commitment to student welfare.
• Ability to work independently and make sound medical decisions.

Values

An essential part of the Silverleaf model is adherence to the core values of the organisation. These values are ingrained in our approach and extend to staff, students, parents and partners alike. They are used throughout organisational processes and decision-making to guide what we do. For staff, adherence to these values is mandatory and forms the cornerstone of performance reviews.

1. Lead the Way – Demonstrate the principles of servant leadership by practicing empathy, considering needs of others, and setting a good example for peers in your community.
2. Build for the Future – Look beyond today and equip yourself with the skills, attitudes and tools required to be a socially responsible global citizen in the world of tomorrow.
3. Ask Why and Why Not – Think critically and use evidence to support your decisions, to find proactive ways to challenge what is possible and to innovate for positive changes.
4. Speak, Listen, and Learn – Work together by sharing your ideas in an organized way, listening to the views of others, and considering different perspectives and angles.
5. Unwavering Mission Focus – Set clear goals and be disciplined, diligent and determined in achieving them to the very best of your ability, regardless of the obstacles that may arise.

How to Apply:

To apply for this role, please send your CV and cover letter to jobs@silverleaf.co.tz. Kindly include the job title in the subject line of your email.