Registered Nurse - Program Lead

Registered Nurse (RN) — Program Lead

CLAs, CRS & NASH Programs | Alternatives, Inc.

Full-Time, Exempt · Connecticut · Reports to Director of Health

Bring your energy. Lead a team that actually shows up for the people we support.

At Alternatives, Inc., our mission is to support a healthy and safe community that values respect, diversity, and happiness. We're looking for a Registered Nurse who is excited to roll up their sleeves, build relationships, and lead a strong team of LPNs and Health Specialists across our CLA, CRS, and NASH programs. If you bring positive energy, clinical confidence, and a passion for person-centered care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including those who are medically fragile, we'd love to meet you.

Why this role

• You'll lead — not just manage. You'll coach LPNs and Health Specialists, set the clinical tone, and be the person your team turns to when it matters.
• You'll make real decisions for real people. Health Care Plans, Risk Plans, escalations, advocacy — your judgment shapes how individuals live, not just how they're documented.
• You'll be backed by an organization built around five pillars: Health, Safety, Time, Mind, and Spirit — a framework that puts the whole person first.

What you'll do

Champion health & safety

• Provide clinical leadership for health services and medically complex supports across CLA, CRS, and NASH programs.
• Approve and monitor Health Care Plans, Risk Plans, and the medical sections of Individual Plans.
• Serve as the clinical escalation point for acute medical needs and emergencies.
• Oversee infection control, medication systems, and emergency preparedness; lead audits and corrective actions.
• Support investigations related to medication errors, injuries, and unplanned hospitalizations.

Lead and grow a strong team

• Directly supervise LPNs and Health Specialists — hiring, onboarding, coaching, scheduling, and performance.
• Run clinical competency checks, validate skills, and delegate nursing tasks in line with regulations.
• Deliver or coordinate training in medication administration, emergency response, diabetes care, lifting and positioning, infection control, and more.
• Keep communication clear and timely with families, guardians, physicians, and external providers.

Drive quality and compliance

• Serve as a lead during DDS, DPH, and Health Department audits and reviews.
• Conduct internal audits of medication systems, health records, and clinical practices.
• Track chronic conditions, medical outcomes, and trends — and turn the data into improvement.
• Maintain health-related policies and ensure consistent implementation across programs.

Act as QIDP for individuals with complex needs

• Lead and coordinate the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) process for individuals with high-acuity medical needs.
• Oversee development, review, and implementation of active treatment plans.
• Advocate for individual choice, independence, and inclusion in every setting.

What you bring

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut (required).
• Meets QIDP qualifications, including education and experience supporting individuals with IDD.
• 5–7 years of nursing experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Experience with medically fragile populations, IDD services, community-based care, or long-term care.
• Strong working knowledge of state regulations, clinical documentation, and nursing best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills — and the kind of energy that lifts a team on a hard day.
• Valid Connecticut Driver's License; ability to lift and support individuals as required.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field preferred.

What we offer

• Competitive salary: commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Ongoing training, professional development, and tuition support
• A mission-driven team that genuinely likes working together

Equal opportunity

Alternatives, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.