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Job Description:

Health Care Specialists provide medical systems oversight and training of direct care staff in such systems in

residential group homes, under the direction and supervision of Registered Nurse (RN). Participates in team meetings, including program-specific meetings and provides medically related in-service to residential program staff. Communicates relevant medical and treatment information to program staff as directed by RN and oversees medication inventory system. Performs direct care (DSP) responsibilities as needed.

Location: Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

Schedule: Full-Time

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

All Health Care Specialists perform the following tasks:

·     Provides guidance to program staff, setting the tone and ensuring that the standards of care are followed

·    Maintains responsibility for ongoing oversight of the maintenance within the medical systems including Digital Agency, ensuring that all anecdotal and other paperwork is properly completed, filed and kept up to date, and reflected in system with appropriate details.

Stays up-to-date with current medical issues, diagnoses, needs and recommendations based on plan of Nursing Service (PONS) for the people we support at assigned program under the supervision of the nurse.

Maintains knowledge of level of supervision each person we support requires while sleeping, eating, fall precautions and performance of ADL’s and ensures that this level of supervision is provided to protect the health and safety of the people we support.

·    Ensures that all staff have adequate knowledge of medical needs of the people we support and proactively communicates new diagnoses and treatments to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), as directed by the nurse.

·     Trains new staff in medical needs as directed by nurse, including medical systems in DA

·     Serves as liaison between the residence and medical providers, services and families as needed.

·    Promotes the integration of health services by ensuring that diets are followed, reinforcers are appropriate, and that all staff monitor medical issues and follow up on doctor’s recommendations.

·    Conducts timely reviews of anecdotals and presents questions to team as needed to ensure complete and accurate documentation of medical information.

·    Provides efficient and professional communications regarding medical information via the staff logbook, emails and any in-house communications.

·    Ensures proper scheduling of medical appointments and that follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.

·    Oversees the medication inventory system, the medication cabinet checks and OTC inventory, performing all required checks and inventories within applicable timeframes.

·    Mentors new direct support staff currently enrolled in the AMAP course and assists nurse during course, as needed.

·    Conducts AM medical meetings and participates in team meetings providing updates regarding appointments, follow-ups and medical conditions and documenting relevant information.

·     Performs direct support professional tasks in addition to HCS duties, as required.

·     Performs all related work, as assigned.

Experienced Health Care Specialists may be selected for assignment reporting into the Nursing Department, under day-to-day supervision of Program Supervisor and nurse performing the following tasks, in addition to the above:

·    Provides support and coverage by performing HCS tasks for multiple programs across assigned region, with assignments of varying length, frequency and schedule as determined by caseload needs and as directed by Regional Director of Nursing.

·    Integrates into assigned program teams, demonstrating flexibility in accommodating the needs of each specific program and provides training on medical system to new staff, as needed.

·    Obtains and effectively communicates clinical information to interdisciplinary teams and families as directed by the nurse and ensures tracking and completion of follow-ups needed for the people we support (e.g. medical appointments) across multiple programs.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

All Health Care Specialists must meet the following minimum requirements:

·     HS diploma/GED preferred; and

·    At least 1 year of direct support professional experience on the morning shift, including medical responsibilities; and

·     Maintain AMAP status in good standing; and

·     Tuberculosis mandatory for most positions

·     Valid Driver’s License may be required, based on position/location

Basic written and verbal communication skills

·     Basic computer skills – including email, utilizing Workday and related systems (DA, etc.) to complete tasks

·     Interpersonal and problem-solving skills

·     Working knowledge of medical conditions

·     Willingness to take initiative and ability to guide and train others

·    Ability to meet essential physical demands of position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Individual Behavior Support Plan if/as needed.

Health Care Specialists assigned to Nursing Department must also meet the following additional requirements:

·    3+ years of experience working within I/DD field, including at least 1 year as a Healthcare Specialist in good standing or as a DSP performing primarily medical responsibilities in an AM Medical Counselor or similar role; and

·    Ability to regularly travel to several programs within assigned region and work varying schedules/shifts, as needed; and

·    Ability to quickly develop productive working relationships, address team challenges and work effectively with various teams.

Compensation Range: 

$19.83/hour. - $19.83/hour.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.