Purpose

The Medical Services Coordinator (MSC) coordinates medical, therapeutic, psychiatric, and health-related services for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), promoting person-centered outcomes, health, safety, independence, and continuity of care.

Under the direction and clinical supervision of the RN Trainer, the MSC ensures appointments, medical orders, documentation, follow-up, and related supports are completed in accordance with agency policies, DHS Rules 115 and 116, established medical protocols, and RN direction. The MSC does not independently diagnose, prescribe, change medications, or make clinical or treatment decisions outside the scope of the position.

Responsibilities

Appointment Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate medical, psychiatric, dental, laboratory, PT, OT, SLP, and other health-related appointments.
• Monitor appointment frequencies, follow-up requirements, referrals, labs, and other medical due dates.
• Coordinate transportation, appointment preparation, required documentation, and communication with individuals, guardians/POAs, providers, and the support team.
• Provide relevant medical, behavioral, and functional information to providers as directed by the RN Trainer and support team.
• Facilitate appointments and advocate for the individual's needs, preferences, and person-centered outcomes.
• Obtain required provider documentation, prescriptions, orders, signatures, and After-Visit Summaries.
• Ensure follow-up appointments, referrals, labs, and other recommendations are scheduled and tracked.
• Report urgent or time-sensitive medical information and/or changes to the RN Trainer immediately.

Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Coordination

• Coordinate psychiatric appointments in collaboration with the RN Trainer and support team.
• Gather relevant information regarding mood, behavior, anxiety, sleep, eating, participation, social interactions, and other changes in functioning.
• Collaborate with the BMC Chair and DSP team to obtain relevant behavioral data and graphs when needed.
• Communicate psychiatric recommendations and medication-related changes to the RN Trainer for review and implementation.
• Ensure required consent and follow-up documentation is completed.

Documentation, Support, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely medical and appointment documentation in accordance with agency policy and DHS requirements.
• Audit MARs and medication binders monthly and identify discrepancies for RN follow-up.
• Maintain medical closets, First Aid, PRN, and medical documentation supplies.
• Completes quarterly reviews of expiration dates of non-cycle medications.
• Coordinate medication cycle exchanges.
• Transcribe medication orders only as directed by the RN Trainer and in accordance with agency procedures.
• Deliver Class II controlled-substance prescriptions to the designated agency location and notify the RN Trainer.
• Participate in controlled-substance destruction when scheduled and in the presence of the RN Trainer.
• Support preparation for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

Staff Training and Support

Under the direction of the RN Trainer:

• Provide training and support regarding medical documentation and appointment procedures.
• Assist with training related to specimen collection, medical supply organization, and other assigned health-related procedures.
• Support DSPs in preparing individuals for medical appointments, including individualized desensitization strategies when appropriate.
• Assist with staff training related to new medical orders, care plans, or procedures.
• Identify recurring documentation or training concerns and communicate them to the RN Trainer.

Communication and Team Collaboration

• Maintain professional communication with individuals served, guardians/POAs, families, medical providers, nurses, QIDPs, Supervisors, DSPs, and other members of the support team.
• Attend weekly meetings with the RN Trainer to review upcoming appointments, medical concerns, follow-up needs, and training requirements.
• Participate in Medical, Operations, Case Management, and other meetings as assigned.
• Communicate outstanding medical needs, barriers, and follow-up items to the appropriate team members.

General Residential Support

• Facilitate supports during emergent medical needs within the scope of the position and established procedures.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Facilitate transportation to and from appointments, including use of agency vehicles.
• Provide Direct Support as needed.
• Participate in the department's on-call rotation.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Person-Centered Practice

• Promote the individual's dignity, rights, autonomy, choice, and participation in their healthcare.
• Use individualized communication and reasonable accommodations to support meaningful participation in appointments and healthcare decisions.
• Respect informed choice and refusal while following applicable health, safety, medical, and regulatory requirements.
• Support individuals in understanding and following medical recommendations to the extent of their ability and consistent with RN direction.

Decision-Making Authority

The MSC makes decisions within the scope of agency policies, DHS requirements, established medical protocols, and RN Trainer direction. The MSC must seek RN Trainer or leadership direction when clinical judgment, a deviation from established procedures, or an action outside the MSC's scope is required.

Traits and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Effective time management and follow-through
• Person-centered approach
• Professional judgment and discretion
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with I/DD
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and solution-focused
• Ability to respond appropriately to urgent situations
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, dignity, and respect
• Demonstrates willingness to listen effectively, accept and apply constructive feedback, demonstrating ability to learn from past situations and apply knowledge to future situations

Key Interactions

• Staff at all levels
• Residents and Families
• External Agencies
• Governing Bodies
• Medical Professionals

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• CNA certification preferred
• Satisfactory results on the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA)
• Completion of the DSP curriculum as specified by DHS
• Completion of CPR and 1st Aid
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• A minimum of two years of successful performance working with adults with a variety of Intellectual/Developmental disabilities.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, a safe driving record, and daily access to a reliable, insured vehicle for travel between residences and JCFS sites.
• Familiarity with Judaism and Jewish Orthodox community preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We embrace diversity. Our commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout our services, programs and welcoming workplace. Clients, employees, volunteers and community partners have a right to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect, free of all discrimination and harassment including that which is based on race, culture, religion, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and any other classification protected by law.

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Privacy Policy:

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1. Introduction

JCFS Chicago is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you opt in to receive SMS/text messages regarding your job application.

2. Information We Collect

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