Overview

The Nurse Support Specialist (NSS) works under the general direction of the Director of Nursing (DON) with latitude for independent decision-making and judgment to support the nursing team in providing high-quality person-centered care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The NSS supports and promotes the mission, vision, and values of Heritage Christian Services, Inc.

Pay rate for this position: $70000 - $79000 / year

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above range represents the organization's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting

Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight of nursing personnel within the designated residential team, teaching and supporting them in modeling holistic, culturally sensitive, evidence-based care for all individuals served by the agency.
• Foster relationships between members of the nursing team and the residential team, day habilitation team, administrators, other supportive clinicians, and family members.
• Administrative duties encompass granting approval for vacation/PTO and organizing coverage arrangements.
• Collaborate closely with DON to address the acute medical needs of the individuals we assist and serves as a liaison between team members and the DON to relay urgent medical matters.
• Facilitate communication with DON regarding resource allocation with team members to assess and make recommendations for an individual with acute care needs and/or for individuals with complex medical needs.
• Support performance management and assesses competencies through completion of employee development plans that include personalized performance evaluations and the establishment of continuous objectives/career goals.
• Provide direction and support in development of nursing service plans (NSPs), Staff Supports, Nursing Checklists, completion of HRC /IRC/COMPASS tools.
• Identify educational needs and participate in providing orientation, in-service, continuing education, and special programs for all levels of nursing staff to promote ongoing professional growth and development.
• In collaboration with the DON and nurse educator, the NSS will oversee initial training/onboarding of new nurses, providing direction and consultation during their orientation period.
• Aid team members in upholding clinical best practices, adhering to established policies and procedures, and adapting their practices to conform to agency standards. This may take place individually with employees and/or through organized monthly team meetings.
• Monitor standards of practice per policy and procedures regarding the completion of paperwork and required documentation.
• Assist with the development, implementation and monitoring of quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintains role as residential RN (~ 50% reduced caseload) in assigned residential programs fulfilling responsibilities as outlined in the residential RN job description.
• Provide necessary coverage and assume on-call responsibilities in the absence of the DON.

Qualifications

• New York State Department of Education licensure as a Registered Nurse; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Two-three years of clinical experience. Experience with person(s) with developmental disabilities, long-term care and/or leadership experience are preferable
• Ability and temperament to work effectively with people with intellectual and physical disabilities is required
• Valid driver’s license that is in compliance with Heritage Christian Services’ motor vehicle record standards, and reliable transportation to and from work

Our Commitment to Equity and Justice

We believe that people are entitled to dignity, respect, equity and justice. We champion a society that removes barriers. We reject racism and discrimination of any kind. We protest systemic and political inequities that marginalize people, recognizing that there is a history of structural racism in the United States. We will continue to learn and change to achieve justice. We know that strength comes from unity.