I. SCOPE OF ROLE:
The Developmental Disabilities Division believes that our role in supporting people with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live meaningful lives as determined by the
individual. All persons shall live a life with dignity conforming to each personal value
system. Our philosophy is for the people we serve to be part of the community, to live fulfilling
lives free of pain, suffering, illness and barriers. Our mission is to ensure access to the best health
care, clinical supports and well-trained staff.

S:US recognizes the unique needs of those we serve and promotes health equity. Members of the
organization emphasize the importance of nursing contribution and advocacy to strive for
mitigating illness and injury and early detection of conditions requiring treatment. The scope of
the unique nursing practice uses the framework necessary to ensure safe and competent nursing
care involving each person and their circle of support.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assessment
• Assesses individual’s health condition as needed, and determines the need for referral to physician
or emergency room based on observation and/or staff provided information
• Participates in pre-admission screening and evaluation of ICF or IRA referred Individuals
• Develops an initial nursing assessment within 24 hours of placement at a residence
• Develops a Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) based on a Nursing Assessment, Physical Exam
Report, Evaluation of Individuals Ability to Self-medicate, within 30 days of placement, and
annually thereafter.
• Ensures control of communicable diseases and infections, through:
o Identification and assessment
o Reporting to medical authorities
o Implementation of appropriate protective and preventive measures
• Observe medication administration periodically, ensuring adherence with OPWDD regulations and
agency policy
• Report all injuries to management immediately to ensure appropriate incident reporting procedures
are followed
• Completes semi-annual and annual nursing assessment report
• Choking prevention – ensures mealtime needs are assessed by a licensed clinician, plan changes
added to plan of nursing services, train program specialists and program/assistant directors
• Choking prevention – ensures mealtime needs are assessed by a licensed clinician, plan changes
added to plan of nursing services, train program specialists and program/assistant directors

Planning
• Maintains a weekly schedule and nursing assignments.
• Participates as appropriate in the development, review and update of an Individual Program Plan
as part of the Interdisciplinary Team process.
• Reviews and updates Nursing Service Plans semi-annually and as needed based on needs derived
from completed nursing evaluations and quarterly nursing physical assessments.
• Ensures that nursing care, as prescribed by the physician or as identified by individual needs, is
carried out.
• Participates in the development of discharge plans
• Follows-up and/or processes individuals hospital admission and discharge from hospital/rehab.
• Makes referrals to appropriate community resources based on the completed medical portion of
the individual’s Community Service Plan
• Update medical diagnosis and changes in plan of care into Precision Care electronic health record.
• Completes quarterly Quality Improvement Reports and ensure resolution to any outstanding issues
o Reviews and follow up on Quality Improvement Reports completed by management.
• Participates in annual and semi-annual interdisciplinary team meeting along with any special
meetings within or outside the residence
• Participates in the monthly review and reordering of individuals’ medication together with the
primary physician, psychiatrist and residence Behavior Intervention Specialist
• Ensures proper storage of all medication and medical supplies, and the proper disposal of the same
(in accordance with OPWDD regulations and/or agency policy).
• Reviews and monitors, for the purpose of health maintenance bowel movement records, vital
signs, monthly weight, adaptive equipment, seizure activity and records, head injury questionnaire,
menstrual records and applicable flowsheets on an ongoing basis. Reports irregularities or
abnormalities to the individual’s primary physician as needed
• Ensures ongoing health care services are provided as needed and medical appointments are
scheduled in a timely manner.
• Monitors Nutritional services. Ensures annual diet and consistency orders are signed by the health
care practitioner.
• Available 24 hrs. / day via cell phone as per medical emergency procedure/protocol, Telephone
Triage Protocol and for consultation as needed.
• Carries out all policies of the agency issued by management in accordance with OPWDD and/or
other funding agency guidelines
• Attends state survey inspections

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Education: Registered Nurse licensed to practice in New York State
• Experience: Specialized training in I/DD and/or one-year experience in community health care
services
▪ AMAP trainer
▪ CPR and First Aid Trained

Preferred Qualifications
• Interprets relevant information to resolve problems. Effectively balances considerations and
alternatives to make sound decisions.
• Handles unexpected situations by responding effectively to challenges, deadlines and emergencies.
Copes adequately with stress on the job.
• Provides timely, accurate and clear documentation according to established policies and
procedures.
• Applies time management skills to work effectively within given deadlines. Carries out orders and
directives. Organizes own time and prioritizes workload effectively. Uses resources wisely.
• Willingness to initiate new ideas. Consistently looks for better ways of doing things.
• Demonstrates effective verbal, written and listening skills.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Can be relied upon to be available as needed; includes attendance and punctuality.
• Responds to individual needs promptly, accurately and with courtesy and respect. Models
appropriate behavior. Represents the organization in a positive and appropriate manner to outside
resources.
• Supports the missions and values of SUS and draws attention to behavior that undermines group
effectiveness or is inconsistent with core values.
• Maintains confidentiality of individuals and staff.
• Maintains positive enthusiasm toward job accountabilities and objectives. Persists with extra effort
and overcomes obstacles to get the job done.

Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others. We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement. S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Director of Recruitment.