Nursing Support Specialist - Poughkeepsie - ABILITIES FIRST, INC

Description

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services-including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services-are designed to uplift every individual's unique strengths and dreams.
We believe in the power of people-of every background, identity, and ability-to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you'll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we'd love to welcome you aboard.
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.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm (with flexibility needed)
Salary Range: $19.21-$21.21 per hour
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 require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Will incorporate concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people's concerns and responding accordingly and will use "teachable moments" to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge - Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness - Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan For The Future k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills- Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It - On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras - Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Job Requirements

• Minimum one year clerical experience in a medical setting preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft office programs and data entry required; experience with electronic health records preferred.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities of OPWDD programs preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required; college coursework related to human services or vocational training such as PCA, HHA or CNA is preferred.
• Reliable transportation is needed. Must have a current NYS driver's license, deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Physical demands:
Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

• Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
• Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
• Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.