Purpose

The purpose of the Nurse is to provide nursing oversight, clinical guidance, assessment, and training to support the health and medical needs of individuals in Residential Supports. The Nurse directly supervises the Medical Services Coordinator and provides oversight and training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), including medication administration and dispensing in accordance with DHS Rule 116. The Nurse works collaboratively with residents, families, healthcare providers, and the Residential Supports team to ensure appropriate medical care and health supports are provided while promoting each resident’s health, safety, wellness, and independence and maintaining compliance with DHS Rules 115 and 116.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing oversight for the health and medical needs of individuals supported by Residential Supports.

• Maintain current knowledge of each resident’s medical, psychiatric, developmental, and health-related needs.

• Complete initial and ongoing nursing assessments in accordance with DHS Rule 115, agency policy, and individual needs.

• Coordinate access to appropriate medical, dental, psychiatric, and specialty services and follow up on medical recommendations, orders, and changes in treatment.

• Manage and monitor medical orders, medication supplies, and required health and medication documentation.

• Provide nursing consultation and triage within the scope of practice and coordinate timely follow-up when additional medical evaluation or intervention is needed.

• Provide clinical guidance, training, and oversight to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) regarding medication administration and dispensing in accordance with DHS Rule 116.

• Train and assess DSP competency related to medication administration, medical orders, medication side effects, health monitoring, wellness, injury prevention, and other identified health needs.

• Maintain required DHS RN Trainer certification and ensure required medication training and competency documentation remains current.

• Directly supervise the Medical Services Coordinator and provide clinical direction, support, and oversight of assigned responsibilities.

• Participate in the Residential Supports intake process by assessing medical needs, identifying potential health and safety considerations, and presenting recommendations to the Residential Supports Panel.

• Support the development and launch of new residential teams by coordinating medical information, staff training, documentation, and health supports.

• Maintain accurate and confidential resident and personnel health records in accordance with agency procedures and DHS requirements.

• Communicate effectively with residents, families, guardians, healthcare providers, pharmacists, DSPs, and other members of the interdisciplinary team regarding health needs and follow-up.

• Provide or participate in on-call nursing support related to medication administration and other health needs, as assigned.

• Monitor health-related incidents, medication errors, and trends and present relevant data during quarterly CQI meetings.

• Lead Rule 116 compliance reviews and audits; identify areas of concern and develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans as needed.

• Promote compliance with applicable DHS nursing, health, medication, and documentation requirements.

Traits/Competencies

• Strong Clinical Judgment

• Person-Centered and Rights-Focused

• Detail-Oriented and Organized

• Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills

• Leads by Example

• Independent and Accountable

• Solution-Focused

• Effective Time Management

• Ability to Prioritize and Manage Multiple Health-Related Needs

Decision-Making Authority

Exercises independent professional judgment within the scope of nursing practice, agency policy, and applicable DHS regulations. Identifies health and safety concerns, determines appropriate nursing interventions and follow-up, and provides clinical direction regarding resident health needs, medication administration, and staff competency. Escalates concerns appropriately and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and healthcare providers on complex medical and regulatory matters.

Key Interactions

• Staff at all levels

• Residents

• Families, Guardians, and POAs

• Healthcare Providers

• External Agencies

• Governing Bodies

Requirements

• Current Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license.

• Minimum of two years of nursing experience.

• Experience working with individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities preferred.

• DHS RN Trainer certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.

• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and reliable access to a vehicle.

• CPR/First Aid Trainer certification preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent professional judgment within the scope of nursing practice.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential, and compliant medical and health records.

• Ability to effectively train, supervise, and provide clinical guidance to staff.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond appropriately to health and safety concerns.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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.

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT US:

Time off: Paid time off varies by position – can include vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with base contribution and match. Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and much more.

Union Category: Non-Bargaining Unit

Job Code: Exempt

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $75,000.00.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

EEO Statement:

Jewish Child and Family Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. JCFS prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance.

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.