RN - Residential Services- Dutchess County

Registered Nurse – Adult Services

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual's unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you'll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we'd love to welcome you aboard.

Position Summary: Abilities First is seeking two full-time Registered Nurses to support the healthcare needs of individuals in our Residential Services Program. Each RN will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring the overall health and well-being of individuals within their assigned caseload. The first caseload will cover three IRAs locations in Millbrook, Rhinebeck, and Poughkeepsie, NY. The second caseload will be four IRAs based solely in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, day shift with flexibility and ability to provide on-call support with an on-call stipend provided.

Salary Range: $35.70 - $39.70 per hour

Position Standards:

• Provides nursing services to their designated caseload of residential programs, including but not limited to:
• Coordinates and monitors the health needs of the residents by assuring all medical needs are followed up on and by keeping all medical information and records current.
• Attends medical appointments as needed.
• Monitors the proper storage and handling of medications throughout the residential programs he/she serves.
• Administers medications to those individuals who are not self-medicating as needed.
• Is an active participant in the development and review of the ISP.
• Provides in-service training and oversight to residential staff members include, but not limited to, medication administration, detection for signs of illness, basic health skill needs of individuals, safety and sanitation, nutrition, specific illnesses and medication information.
• Provides training and assistance to the residents in developing basic skills in personal care, health care, and medication administration.
• Assists the resident in achieving progress toward their individualized-based medical outcomes.
• Report health issues within Abilities First to the Nursing Coordinator.
• Ensure ongoing medication administration certification of departmental staff by assuring that annual recertification appointments are made and retraining of staff is completed following a medication error. Keep management informed of concerns regarding any staff person's ability to remain certified.
• Develop and implement general training programs for staff or specialized training when nursing services are required for specific residents (i.e. urostomy bag care, tracheostomy tube cleaning, feeding tube use, etc.).
• Assist the Nursing Coordinator with health care policy development and implementation.
• Participate in the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings.
• Counsel participants and staff regarding health maintenance and provide training when appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison as appropriate, to community resources such as physician's, labs, and day programs.
• Successfully completes all required training programs.
• Adhere to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior.
• Follows all agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & Benefits:

• Time to Recharge – Vacation, personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan For The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

Requirements

Job Requirements:

• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (R.N) by the NYS Department of Education.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities Required.
• Computer skills required.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier and ability to visit local residences as needed.

Physical demands: Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

1. Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
2. Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
3. Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
4. Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
5. Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver adults in wheelchairs.
6. Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization