Registered Nurse

Nurse Position at Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD)

Are you passionate about making a difference in others' lives? Then come join the DPD team! Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) is one of the largest Catholic Charities Agencies providing care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States. We are looking for dedicated, caring and compassionate people to work in our Group Homes.

Hours: This is an hourly, non-exempt professional position. 37.5 hour/week position. Generally scheduled weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm (with a 30 minute break) and also requires one floating evening shift per week working in a residential program. Flexibility is required in order to meet the needs of the programs and of the agency. This position requires travel between the agency's main office, group homes, day program center, within the community and to medical appointments with service recipients. Use of an agency vehicle may be provided.

Job Summary: The primary responsibility of the Nurse is to oversee the provision of medical care to the clients of DPD to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care and to educate staff to understand individual medical needs to work effectively with each resident. The Nurse will ensure effective implementation of health promotion and prevention practices, management of acute and chronic illnesses, and attainment of optimal levels of functioning and/or support of the individuals. Attend medical appointments with individuals and program staff as needed/requested. Participate in Interdisciplinary (IDT) team meetings to facilitate completion of the annual individualized service plan (ISP), or interim IDT meetings as scheduled, for each individual.

The Nurse is responsible to review medical documentation entered/shared by program staff via email os entered into the CC-DPD Electronic Health Record (EHR) as well as monthly Medication Administration Records (MARs) for accuracy. This position requires a significant amount of writing, documentation, reports, tracking, and staff/service recipient trainings. The candidate must possess exceptional time management and communication skills (written/verbal), and the ability to create reports and trainings. Computer skills in Word, Excel and other Office applications is preferred.

When working shifts in the programs as assigned, the Nurse is to provide training, supervision and structure to the service recipients in accordance with their support needs and Individualized Service Plans (ISP) to enable him/her to achieve ISP goals/outcomes. The Nurse must follow behavior plans for individuals when indicated. The Nurse will work together with other staff to provide a consistent, productive routine in all areas of the program. The Nurse may be designated to administer medications, supervise, train and assist individuals in personal care areas, and supervise and participate in cleaning and activities for daily living (ADL's). They must communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and the individuals in the program. This job requires a significant amount of daily written documentation to comply with Medicaid fee for service requirements.

The employee will cooperate with the agency's administration, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson and/or Division of Developmental Disabilities and Department staff in any inspection, investigation or inquiry.

Qualifications: Degree in Nursing, Valid NJ State Registered Professional Nurse (RN) License. Minimum two years in nursing practice, certified American Red Cross FA and CPR trainer (instructor certification may be obtained after employed). Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships with members of the interdisciplinary team, individuals, families, visitors and staff. Previous experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred. Must have a driver's license, which is valid in the State of New Jersey and points on license not to exceed 5 points. Required to drive agency vehicles to transport service recipients on an as needed basis. Should have knowledge of, or willingness to learn computer programs.