Nursing Support Specialist

Description

Residential- Nursing Support Specialist

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm (with flexibility needed)

Pay Rate: $17.28-$19.28

Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds, and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Position Summary

The residential Nursing Support Specialist will function as a part of the Nursing department team and at the direction of the Nursing Director or designee. The role of the Nursing Support Specialist will be to assist the RNs and LPNs of Residential Services by attending medical appointments as determined by the needs of the program. The Nursing Support Specialist will also be able to assist the RNs and LPNs with the proper data entry of these appointments into Therap, scheduling needed follow up appointments and clerical filing of the medical documentation. This position will assist the residential programs with ensuring the safety and welfare of the service recipients and medical compliance with OPWDD regulations.

Position Standards

• Data entry of all Service Recipient’s medical information into the Therap system, including updating information as needed to ensure the medical information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Clerical filing of medical records/documentation as directed the Director of Nursing or designee. 
• Working as a team member in the residential programs with scheduling and maintaining medical appointments and follow-up for the Service Recipients as directed by the Director of Nursing or designee. 
• Assist with the completion of medical appointment consultation forms for medical appointments.
• Transportation of Services Recipients to medical appointments or procedures.
• Assisting the residential programs with ensuring each Service Recipient has an adequate supply of medications; this includes the ordering of medical supplies as needed and directed.
• Obtaining medical prescriptions and transporting medications throughout the department as necessary.
• Administration of medications in the absence of certified AMAP staff as needed.
• To assist the Service Recipients with medical issues, with the support of the Director of Nursing or designee. This includes being knowledgeable of Service Recipient’s medical needs, and ensure that all the staff have adequate knowledge of the medical needs to protect the Service Recipient’s health and safety. 
• To implement all agency policy and procedures regarding the medication administration and the point system. They are to provide training and support to all staff about medication administration, as well as to report to the Residential Nursing Coordinator, any medication errors that have occurred
• To ensure communication regarding medical issues and concerns within the residence as well as with other providers and any time the Service Recipient is off-site. To promote the integration of health services, by ensuring that diets are followed and that all staff are monitoring the medical issues and following up on MD recommendations.
• To utilize the chain of command at any time to report any concerns about Service Recipient health and safety.
• Maintaining professional working relationships with medical professionals this includes but not limited to (MDs, NP, RN, LPN, medical offices, and vendors)
• Ensuring the proper storage and handling medications throughout the residential department.
• Periodical review of the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to ensure all required signatures and the thorough completion of medical documentation including but not limited to (blood sugar service sheets, blood pressure monitoring forms, monthly weights)
• Actively participating in Treatment Team meetings as directed by the Residential Nursing Coordinator including but not limited to (monthly staff meetings, case reviews, Service Recipients discharge meeting)
• Maintaining the confidentiality of the Service Recipients medical records/information.
• Ensures all required training and certifications required are current and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which r