Registered Nurse - Special Needs Coordinator

**Core Responsibilities:** The SNC (Special Needs Coordinator) registered nurse plays a pivotal role in the execution of the Exceptional Family Member Program – Medical (EFMP-M) in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force (AF) policies and subsequent guidelines.The nurse employs advanced clinical assessment techniques to promptly identify sponsors with family members who have specific medical and educational requirements. Utilizing a multidisciplinary and collaborative framework, the SNC coordinates with key service providers, including installation youth and childcare facilities, as well as officer and enlisted spouses groups, to facilitate effective outreach and identification of special needs. Ensuring that family members of Air Force personnel are accurately enrolled (Q coded) in the EFMP is a crucial aspect of this role.The SNC is responsible for ensuring that all active duty sponsors recognized by the Air Force Personnel Center, alongside local Military Personnel Sections and Commander Support staffs, are properly recorded in AF medical special needs data management systems. Overseeing base-level data entry in AF-provided systems used for EFMP-M management is also a key duty.A significant component of the role involves providing clinical training to installation personnel and medical staff, as well as offering consultations as necessary to support the implementation of EFMP-M throughout the base. The SNC is integrally involved in the Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) process. This includes ensuring that FMTS requirements are consistently applied by EFMP-M staff, coordinating the enrollment process, and managing travel screenings for active duty family members, as well as for families relocating to overseas DoD-sponsored assignments.The nurse provides clinical oversight to guarantee that all Air Force sponsors with family members requiring special attention have a Special Needs file maintained at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Annual contact is made with Q-coded sponsors to assess any unmet needs and to update information as necessary.Collaboration with the Integrated Delivery System (IDS) and other interagency forums is essential for providing comprehensive family medical information and facilitating referrals to both base and civilian agencies. The SNC ensures that EFMP families are directed to the Airman and Family Readiness Center for any needed community support. Maintaining a cooperative relationship with the base Military Personnel Section (MPS), Commander Support Staff (CSS), and the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) is crucial. The SNC actively supports the integration of EFMP-M, EFMP Family Support (EFMP-FS), and EFMP Assignments (EFMP-A) services.Participation in EFMP quarterly case reviews is required to assess newly identified families and address complex or unmet clinical needs, determining necessary resources for these families. Patient-specific assessments and clinical plans of action are documented in AHLTA and the Special Needs record, while ensuring that meeting minutes do not contain patient-identifying information. The SNC coordinates and engages in designated facility meetings. **Work Schedule:**- **Workdays:** Monday - Friday - **Hours:** 9 hours daily between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with a one-hour uncompensated lunch - **Note:** Specific schedules may vary by department; no weekend or holiday duties are required. **Minimum Qualifications:**- **Education:** A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution.   - **Experience:** At least 2 years of full-time nursing experience with a focus on care coordination post-graduation.   - **Licensure:** A current, unrestricted RN license valid in any state.- **Certification:** AHA or ARC Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers.- **Background Check:** Ability to pass a government security clearance. **Additional Required Experience:**Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in: - **Assessment:** Identification of patients with special medical and educational needs; comprehensive evaluation of patient information and ongoing care plans. - **Planning:** Collaborative development of care strategies with patients, families, primary care providers, and the healthcare team. - **Facilitation:** Coordinated communication between all stakeholders involved in care. - **Advocacy:** Supporting patients and families in ensuring access to timely and appropriate care. Knowledge of medical privacy regulations (HIPAA) and accreditation standards from organizations such as the AAAHC and TJC is essential. Candidates must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills and possess the ability to engage tactfully with individuals facing physical or mental challenges.

Salary : $31 - $42