Summary: Under the guidance of the Assistant Executive Director Clinical Services or designee, the Healthcare Support Specialist, Clinical Services is responsible for the implementation and facilitation of nursing service delivery strategies within the scope of practice. The incumbent collaborates with the administration, utilizes, and facilitates resources in an efficient and economic manner to enable each service recipient to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Collaborates with other departments, medical professionals, consultants, and organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups, to develop, support and coordinate service recipient’s care, related administrative functions, and to represent the interests of the agency.
The Healthcare Support Specialist, Clinical Services has full responsibility and accountability for all assigned clinical aspects delivered throughout agency programs. The incumbent is responsible for providing nursing services to service recipients, development and implementation of preventive health services for individuals with developmental disabilities within The Arc of Union County, Inc. The incumbent will maintain ongoing monitoring and documentation of residents’ health needs, identify emerging health needs and provide appropriate guidance and interventions.
The Healthcare Support Specialist, Clinical Services is responsible for the development and implementation of preventive health services for individuals with developmental disabilities within The Arc of Union County, Inc. The incumbent will perform health assessments for individuals served utilizing the nursing process and within the scope of practice. The incumbent will maintain ongoing monitoring and documentation of residents’ health needs, identify emerging health needs and provide appropriate guidance and interventions.
This position requires completion of DDD System Mandatory Training Bundle within 90 days of hire, DDD and Agency Orientations, other designated trainings and a minimum of 12 Hours of Professional Development completed annually.
Complete State DDD Education In-services/maintain required certifications and credentials as required by The Arc and external agencies. Maintain Current New Jersey Nurses License by enrolling in CEUs.
The Healthcare Support Specialist, Clinical Services promotes a safe, secure, and dependable environment promoting a higher quality of life for service recipients. The incumbent considers the unique characteristics and needs of each individual as expressed by the individual and others who know the person, such as family, friends, service providers, etc. The incumbent is to maintain a positive, healthy and stimulating therapeutic environment for service recipients.
This position requires that information related to service recipient, employee, program operations is handled, channeled, managed and delivered professionally to the appropriate and right personnel or party consistent with agency and department policy.
This is an exempt position and the incumbent reports to the Assistant Executive Director Clinical Services.
Skills: This position requires proficiency in Windows software, Ability to use a data entry software such as Therap. Able to demonstrate active listening. Ability to exercise evidence based clinical decisions, Ability to demonstrate compassion, excellent communication skills, compliance with professional ethical conduct, and demonstration of critical thinking, attention to detail, confidence, adaptability, stamina and commitment to development. Ability to develop professional networks and tap resources in health care field, financial arena, recreational activities and fine arts. Thorough understanding of the Nursing Process and its application in an interdisciplinary community environment to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and associated multi morbidities. Ability to identify and document conditions that may affect the support needs of the individuals served. Strong clinical data collection and documentation skills. Strong conceptual and computer skills required. Excellent assessment skills for admission and discharge as indicated and deemed appropriate. Superior planning and organizational skills.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Master’s is preferred. Current R.N. License. Three or more years’ experience working in a long-term care setting with significant clinical experience in a related field serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of knowledge, abilities and skills outlined above. Must have strong management, leadership, planning and communication skills. Flexibility and sense of humor. Demonstrate ability to thrive and perform in an ever-changing, fast paced, and demanding environment. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and abstract (not to exceed 5 points), and ability to meet agency insurability requirements. Complete State/Federal Criminal Background checks and Central Registry checks.
Major Position Responsibilities
Participate in the admissions and discharge processes, increasing the quality of clinical service delivery, identification of service recipients who are beyond the scope of our practice, correlate quality of care with agency stability, and overall growth.
Direct all clinical services as per agency scope of practice and provide overall coordination and evaluation.
Utilize the nursing process to provide high quality evidence-based nursing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other associated multimorbidities.
Maintain, and implement clinical practices that conform to current standards of care, agency philosophy, and operational policies while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Provide nursing services as per the nursing process to all service recipients.
Provide clinical evaluation and intervention on arising healthcare related conditions for service recipients.
Provide nursing Support after regularly scheduled hours to address arising care needs.
Provide guidance to program supervisors to develop or enhance their understanding and skills required for appropriate health/safety practices and procedures including documentation of health status of individuals served and in-house health nursing related procedures.
Establish a process of meeting each Supervisor across settings individually in close rotations monthly, for feedback on what is not working in our Healthcare Delivery Systems, collect information, design and execute appropriate intervention plan. Formalize the captured data in Executive Report. Assure timely refinements of agency systems, removal of barriers, provision of training and development of supervisors with respect to healthcare service delivery etc.
Interpret healthcare related terminology for staff and maintain communication with physicians’ offices.
Review Physician Visit Records (PVR), discharge instructions and all communications from healthcare professionals to identify needs and trends of the individuals and forward for data entry and filing.
Receive and review Physician Visit Records from Supervisor, Residential and provide clinical feedback and recommendations.
Ensure that vital signs are monitored and documented by direct support professionals as per physician orders and agency requirements and contact the rest of the healthcare supports regarding any noted concerns.
Monitor weights and vital signs of individuals served and collaborate with internal healthcare supports for feedback and guidance.
Work collaboratively with directors and management teams on new admission intakes as recommended by Residential Admissions Committee chair and assist with receipt of required healthcare information for prospective candidates.
Communicate with program management on pending discharge of individuals served from a hospital or rehabilitation center. Physically assess the individual served before hospital or rehabilitation discharge and determine if the individual is appropriate to return to their residential setting, is in a condition that can be cared for by non- clinical staff and is able to safely access their program with minor or no environmental changes (for example, can navigate stairs if program has stairs.) Review all medical discharge paperwork/care instructions prior to readmission into the group home.
Coordinate and ensure that once an individual is discharged from a hospital stay, rehab center or ER, all medications are reconciled, accurate and documented consistently on the discharge documentation and/or prescriptions.
Ensure that Physician completed pre/re-admission/medical clearance form for hospitalized or rehab individual is complete and accurate before and/or at time of discharge and within appropriate periods.
Follow up and observe the individual in the home after hospital or rehabilitation discharge.
Assure that Agency protocol is followed when an individual is being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility.
Coordinate any therapeutic services needed - Physical therapy, speech, occupational etc.
Identify when required follow-up appointments/exams and annual appointments are needed/outdated and inform Program Supervisor accordingly.
Complete clinical evaluations, collaborate with healthcare professionals based on assessments to assure proper diagnoses of residents.
Utilize the “Diagnosis Section” in Therap for documentation of diagnoses.
Review the info in the Therap Appointment Tracking. Add to the description (if needed) to assure accurate reflection of the physician notations, (Evaluation result, Treatment, Plan of Care, etc.).
Attend and participate in meetings pertaining to individuals served. This will include but not limited to IDT, pre-placement meetings, etc. as directed.
Serve as a backup for assisting individuals served in residential programs in addressing insurance related barriers to service.
Review, follow up and ensure that medical orders not written on a traditional prescription pad (Physician Visit Record, Annual Physical or ER Treatment/discharge papers) have been transcribed into a structured documentation chart; the Medication Administration Record (MAR) or Treatment Administration Record (TAR) etc.
Review prescriptions and assure that all medical orders including Special Diet, medications, etc. are not ambiguous but specific.
Review agency documentation platform and intervene on healthcare related concerns through teamwork and collaboration.
Train staff members in the use of medical equipment, assistive devices, blood pressure machine, etc.
Provide specialized trainings that require only Registered Nurse facilitation including but not limited to Insulin Administration, injections, Diabetes Overview (Diabetes Prevention and Maintenance), Glucometer use and care, Blood sugar monitoring and diabetic plan of care such as “Avoid sugary drinks, exercise,” etc.
Train staff and individuals served on fluid intake and any restrictions as needed. Intervenes and consults with healthcare professionals for changes in weight of 5 pounds or more if indicated by healthcare providers. This information will be provided to the Healthcare Support Specialist, Clinical by program staff and/or management staff including notations on the critical log.
Train staff on physician orders including medications, monitoring of vital signs and tracking, etc.
Complete a diabetic medication administration record for individuals approved to utilize the internal diabetic MAR platform. Train staff in its use, and intervene as needed.
Design and facilitate training for all program staff which will develop or enhance their understanding and skills required for appropriate health/safety practices and procedures including documentation of health status of individuals served and in-house health/medical related procedures.
Promptly inform program supervisors, Assistant Directors, healthcare professionals and administration of any diagnosed case of a communicable/contagious diseases on an individual served, Isolation precautions as necessary consistent with agency policy, state, and federal guidelines. e.g. DHS, OSHA, CDC.
Participate in medical appointments as needed or once an individual’s level of medical needs becomes elevated to provide relevant interpretation to the physician and feedback to the support team.
Assess individuals on arising non-emergency health related concerns and make recommendations as necessary utilizing the nursing process.
Collaborate with physicians based on assessments to assure proper diagnoses of residents.
Assess individuals served medical needs on an ongoing basis and make recommendations for further examination or professional consultation/intervention as necessary.
Identify emerging individuals’ served health needs, and coordinate with team members, Assistant Directors and/or external resources to provide appropriate interventions to meet those needs within the guidelines of the agency.
Assure that all identified healthcare needs are met.
Intervenes and consults with healthcare professionals for changes in weight of 5 pounds or more if indicated by healthcare providers.
Develop proposals for service delivery enhancement and submit to the Assistant Executive Director, Clinical.
Coordinate with the Program Supervisor and ensure that Individuals' diagnosed allergies and diet are consistently documented in the Annual Physical Report, POS, MAR, Therap, and OTC sheet. All allergies must match.
Identify diagnosed food allergies or special food menu instructions/recommendations; educate the respective Assistant Directors on the changes and recommend the forwarding of a requisition to the Agency Nutritionist for implementation. Assure known Food allergies and any dietary recommendations are featured consistently on the MAR as well as on the food menu.
Review and process any medical orders in a timely manner. Communicate any reasons for delay to the Program Supervisor for documentation in the Critical Log and on reverse of the MAR as applicable.
Investigate "REFILL TO SOON REQUEST" by ruling out grounds for causation including requests for medications when not needed, loss of medication and/or inaccurate amount administered. Conducts timely random observation during medication administration on the medications in question.
Coordinate telephone calls and communications for residential programs with physician offices, pharmacy and other medical institutions on medical order request or clarifications etc. Log and respond to internal/external informational requests within agency guidelines and as directed by executive designee.
Facilitate the completion of a body check on a newly admitted service recipient during the admission or immediately after admission into the residential program. This includes individuals being readmitted to program after a rehab stay.
Review medication and health care information on a newly admitted/readmitted individual with program supervisor and program staff.
Implement healthcare practices consistent with agency healthcare standards, guidelines, licensing, and other state regulations.
Complete and maintain all required documentations as directed and in accordance with Center for Medicaid Services requirements, agency Operational Standards etc., and participate towards achievement of a Full Licensing Certification.
Provide skill-nursing including but not limited to Vitamin B-12 injections, & wound care.
Record clinical data in Therap.
Consult with the physician when necessary in order to provide and maintain safe and efficient care delivery.
Monitor service recipient’s clinical status ensuring all records meet standards as per agency policy and governing regulations.
Assure effective coordination and integration of all individuals’ services offered within and outside the agency.
Enhance oversight in service delivery to individuals with competencies in the following areas: Sensory/motor, cognitive abilities, communication, social interaction and sociability, self-direction, self- care/independent living skills, special behaviors, health, school experience, and employment, and determine relative need for services and Support.
Promote service recipients in receiving age-appropriate education and training to acquire the skills and experience needed to participate in the community, consistent with the participant’s Individual Service Plan. This may include activities t o support participants with building problem-solving skills, self-help, social skills, adaptive skills, daily living skills, and leisure skills. Activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skills, building positive social behavior and interpersonal competence, greater independence and personal choice.
Promote teamwork and trust through effective leadership and role modeling.
Assure safety practices and staff development resources and opportunities are available for all staff.
Inform executive designee about any potential problems or issues.
Assure all adaptive equipment is maintained in a manner that provides safety and comfort to all individuals served and staff members.
Visits programs as needed for health promotion practices of service recipients.
Assist programs to receive Full Licensing Certification, CARF Accreditation, Adult Day Habilitation Certification, and oversee participate in the development of the plan of correction relative to deficiencies featured on inspections.
Collaborate with Agency Directors to assure effective communications to enhance the quality of services and meet the program, department and agency objectives and goals.
Assure timely, thorough, and effective communications regarding program, employee operations, to all appropriate parties including but not limited to program staff, supervisor, director and/or executive designee.
Market the agency to the community and other external relevant parties to expand and sustain the quality of services delivered.
Participate in the Residential Admissions Committee, Vocational Admission Committee, Behavior Support Committee, and Safety Committee as assigned.
Participate in the Pre-Admission Meeting process and ensure that clinical needs are all required clinical documents are up to date and consistent with licensing, state and agency policies.
Assure clinical practices align with OSHA, DDD Standards, Office of Licensing Standards, Community Care Waiver Standards, agency Operational Standards etc.
Attend and participate in all meetings, conferences, seminars, and committees as assigned or as necessary for successful completion of agency and the departmental goals.
Identify emerging needs of service recipients and programs. Develop and coordinate a plan of action with Operational Directors, support staff, administration and/or external sources to provide appropriate responses to meet those needs within the guidelines of the agency.
ADA Expectations
This position requires an employee to perform duties in an indoor and or outside setting where exposure to weather elements, dirt, and dust, unpleasant smells, and/or loud noises are possible including occasional temperature fluctuations depending on the climate/season/weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: The physical demands for this position must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to maintain a stationary position (standing and sitting), move/traverse, kneel, bend, reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time, twist, carry, lift up to 35 pounds, squat and drive a 6-person passenger van, may require operating manual devices such as hydraulic lifts, wheelchair lifts, vehicle doors, etc. for the purpose of transporting service recipients. Agility with wrist and finger dexterity to access, key and sort electronic information or file documents, ability to view computer and/or electronic device for extended period and other physical duties as directed by your supervisor and/or Director.
Ability to apply Agency Training Crisis Management Verbal and Physical Techniques during a crisis consistent with criteria as trained and in accordance with agency policies and procedure.
The essential Cognitive Functions of this position may include ability to analyze, compute, hear and repeat information, take notes, read documents, generate written information, independently problem solve, tolerate interruptions, maintain positive public relations, organize, verbally communicate and converse with a diverse group of people among others.
The Arc of Union County will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to The Arc of Union County.
The Arc of Union County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against due to a disability.
Work Environment – The agency offers safety trainings such as Universal Precautions/Infectious diseases, COVID-19 Education and Safety Practices among others to promote a safe environment for all employees and service recipients including visitors. Personal Protective Equipment’s and necessary supplies such as disinfectants are supplied to all employees free or charge. Each employee is responsible to complete offered trainings and implement the health and safety protocols and mitigation practices consistently.
The agency may assign employees to any duties and to any work site it deems necessary in its sole discretion.
This is an administrative position. You are required to communicate abrupt absence directly to your supervisor/operations management and verbally handover (not necessary physically) programs to your supervisor for the smooth operation of programs, and the safety and wellbeing of the service recipients.
This position requires four (8) weeks’ notice prior to leaving on resignation.