Registered Nurse Health Specialist - Residential Services Canton, NY (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Canton+NY+USA+13625) Job Type Full-time Description Are you a compassionate nursing professional committed to equity, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact? Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country is seeking aRegistered Nurse Health Specialistto join our team and support individuals with complex and individualized needs in our community-based residential programs. This role is essential to our mission:to provide comprehensive, equitable, and accessible high-quality health care and human services to people of all income levels and those with individualized needs. As an RN Health Specialist, you'll contribute to a culture rooted in collaboration, accessibility, and integrity, working closely with interdisciplinary teams, advocating for the people we serve, and promoting holistic, person-centered care. If you are driven by fairness, innovation, and a commitment to integration of services that support the whole person, we invite you to bring your clinical expertise to a team that values compassion, inclusion, and accountability. TITLE:Registered Nurse (RN) Health Specialist REPORTS TO:Director of OPWDD Services CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt RATE OF PAY: $30.77 - $35.00 per hour; biweekly pay structure WORK SCHEDULE:Primarily Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with some flexibility across shifts and days of the week depending on the needs of the organization and the people that we support. Full-time, 40 hours per week. POSITION SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse (RN) Health Specialist in the Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) setting ensures person-centered, comprehensive health and medical care for individuals supported, serving as a liaison with healthcare providers, overseeing medication management, and training staff on health-related protocols. This role combines direct care, clinical oversight, and advocacy to promote the well-being and safety of residents in a supportive, community-based environment. EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.Responsible for ensuring the comprehensive, patient-centered medical care of individuals supported. a. Acts as a liaison and advocates with the medical community to ensure optimal health outcomes. b. Monitors overall health of people supported by evaluating nutrition, identifying health concerns, and ensuring receipt and follow-up of appropriate medical treatment. c. Accompanies individuals to medical appointments as needed. d. Verifies that current physicians’ orders are obtained and filed in the individuals' records. e. Ensures pharmaceutical reviews are accurately completed every six months. 2.Responsible for medication management and oversight. a. Conducts weekly visits to all assigned sites to inspect medication storage areas. b. Reviews and updates medication profiles at least monthly. c. Performs monthly evaluations of staff medication administration. d. Conducts initial and annual self-medication assessments. e. Ensures medication refills are submitted timely. f. Passes medications when there is a staff shortage. 3.Responsible for health care planning and staff training. a. Develops and updates individualized care plans based on current health needs. b. Develops nursing care plans and implements appropriate interventions. c. Trains staff on all health-related issues, including medication administration and observed medication pours. d. Provides ongoing education to ensure staff competency and compliance with health protocols. 4.Responsible for site visits, ongoing program support, and after-hours collaboration. a. Makes a minimum of one visit per week to all supervised IRAs. b. Informs Residential leadership team of health-related needs of individuals and staff concerns. c. Collaborates with the agency’s after-hours on-call service to ensure timely and effective communication and response to medical issues. 5.Responsible for documentation and regulatory compliance. a. Documents and submit all required paperwork accurately and in a timely manner. b. Reports all potential abuse and incidents in accordance with OPWDD regulations. 6.Responsible for program development and organizational support. a. Participates as a member of the screening team to assess and recommend individuals for program vacancies. b. Attends and/or leads committees, meetings, conferences, and workshops as assigned. c. Works a flexible schedule to accommodate program and training needs. 7.Responsible for the oversight of Medical Facilitators (as assigned). a. Provides direction, guidance, and clinical oversight to Medical Facilitators regarding their role in reviewing medical documentation, medication systems, and individual health needs. b. Ensures Medical Facilitators are conducting weekly site visits and accurately reviewing communication logs, appointment books, incident reports, MARs, and BM charts. c. Directs Medical Facilitators in completing medication stock checks, disposing of expired medications, and maintaining appropriate storage practices. d. Reviews and assigns tasks related to gathering and organizing medical information, preparing orders, updating documentation, and scheduling appointments. e. Ensures Medical Facilitators are communicating appointment and order updates in a timely and thorough manner. f. Oversees Medical Facilitators in providing support during medical appointments, implementing medication changes, and passing medications when necessary. g. Monitors compliance with Medical Facilitator responsibilities and reports performance concerns to the Director of OPWDD Services. 8. Responsible for additional duties as requested. Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 1. Graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse program. 2. Current and valid licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of New York. 3. Experience in the field of MR/DD preferred. 4. One year of supervisory experience preferred. 5. Reliable personal vehicle for business use. 6. Valid NYS Driver’s License with at least 2 years of driving experience required. 7. Acceptable motor vehicle abstract to meet Agency insurability standards. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 1. Medium work; ability to lift, carry, and transfer 50 lbs. (Occasional); ability to lift and support individuals with and without help. 2. Physical strength to safely respond should a behavioral crisis occur. 3. Ability to operate personal and Agency vehicles. 4. Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time. 5. Regular potential exposure to infectious diseases, blood and airborne pathogens, needle sticks, hygiene issues, and odors. 6. Ability to read digital readouts, recognize colors, and operate necessary medical equipment. 7. Ability to operate mechanical devices used by people served. 8. Ability to wear necessary hospital masks, gowns, gloves, and close-toed shoes. Why Choose Us? + Generous PTO– Vacation, sick, personal time, and paid holidays + Robust Benefits– Medical, dental, vision, FSA, 401(k), disability & life insurance, and more! + The sense of fulfillment that comes with a workplace culture of dedication to serving our local community. Equal Opportunity Employer We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Salary Description $30.77 - $35.00 per hour; biweekly pay structure