Healthcare Specialist

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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

All Health Care Specialists perform the following tasks:

• Performs all duties of a Direct Support Professional (DSP 1 – 3) as indicated in job descriptions, in addition to HCS duties on a regular basis and/or as requested to ensure the overall supervision, protection and care of individuals in program, assisting in maximizing their strengths, interests and abilities while upholding their personal rights and facilitating activities that provide social capital and connections to the community.

• Provides guidance to program staff, setting the tone and ensuring that the standards of care are followed.

• Maintains responsibility for ongoing oversight of the maintenance within medical systems including Digital Agency (DA), ensuring that all anecdotal and other paperwork is properly completed, filed and kept up to date and reflected in system(s) with appropriate details.

• Stays up to date with current medical issues, diagnoses, needs and recommendations based on Plans of Nursing Service (PONS) for the people we support at assigned program under the supervision of the nurse.

• Maintains knowledge of level of supervision each person we support requires while sleeping, eating, fall precautions and performance of ADLs and ensures that this level of supervision is provided to protect their health and safety.

• Ensures that all staff have adequate knowledge of medical needs of the people we support and proactively communicates new diagnoses and treatments to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), as directed by the nurse.

• Trains new staff in medical needs as directed by nurse, including medical systems in DA.

• Serves as liaison between the residence and medical providers, services and families as needed.

• Promotes the integration of health services by ensuring that diets are followed, reinforcers are appropriate, and that all staff monitor medical issues and follow up on doctor’s recommendations.

• Conducts timely reviews of anecdotals and presents questions to team as needed to ensure complete and accurate documentation of medical information.

• Provides efficient and professional communications regarding medical information via the staff logbook, emails and any in-house communications.

• Ensures proper scheduling of medical appointments and that follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.

• Oversees the medication inventory system, the medication cabinet checks and OTC inventory, performing all required checks and inventories within applicable timeframes.

• Mentors new direct support staff currently enrolled in the AMAP course and assists nurse during course, as needed.

• Conducts AM medical meetings and participates in team meetings providing updates regarding appointments, follow-ups and medical conditions and documenting relevant information.

• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Experienced Health Care Specialists may be selected for assignment reporting into the Nursing Department, under day-to-day supervision of Program Supervisor and nurse supervisor performing the following tasks, in addition to the above:

• Provides support and coverage by performing HCS tasks for multiple programs across assigned region, with assignments of varying length, frequency and schedule as determined by caseload needs and as directed by regional Director of Nursing/Supervisor.

• Integrates into assigned program teams, demonstrating flexibility in accommodating the needs of each specific program and provides training on medical system to new staff, as needed.

• Obtains and effectively communicates clinical information to interdisciplinary teams and families as directed by the nurse and ensures tracking and completion of follow-ups needed for the people we support (e.g. medical appointments) across multiple programs.

Schedule Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

All Health Care Specialists must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least two (2) years of direct support professional experience in a YAI program, including at least one (1) year on the morning shift performing medical responsibilities; and

• Must hold current YAI-issued Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) certification for at least one (1) year in good standing (in accordance with nursing point system) and maintain for duration of assignment; and

• Must hold and maintain Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) and CPR (issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association); and

• Must hold or obtain and maintain additional certifications as required by program assignment and persons supported (for example: Choking – Return Demonstration, Diabetes Care, Tube Feeding, etc.) within three (3) months of appointment; and   

• Strong understanding of electronic medical record (DA/eMAR), including ability to successfully navigate system(s) and appropriately upload, track and clearly document encounters, anectotals and/or related data; and

• Working knowledge of medical conditions, including the interplay between I/DD and other conditions and ability to effectively gather, document and accurately communicate medical information to staff, nursing and/or external providers; or

• Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training, as approved by Director of Nursing; however, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of direct care, Certified Nursing Assistant or closely related experience performing medical responsibilities including use of an electronic health record and administering medication under supervision of a licensed medical professional for at least one (1) year and must obtain (and maintain) YAI certifications indicated above within six (6) months of appointment.

• Proficiency with computers and electronic systems including Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Outlook and Word), utilizing Workday and other related systems (DA, EHR etc.) to complete tasks.

• Interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to take initiative and ability to guide and train others.

• Ability to meet essential physical demands of position including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; assisting with lifting/moving individuals of any weight with assistance of mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or pushing individuals in wheelchairs; lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds on occasion; having the physical capacity to work with and implement emergency interventions as per the person’s Behavior Support Plan if/as needed, including lifting/moving individuals of any weight with or without assistance of equipment and/or other staff.

• Ability to work on a full-time basis and to work beyond regularly scheduled hours/shift and/or to report to work as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather or during other emergencies to maintain minimum coverage requirements of program, unless otherwise authorized.

• For assignments that require transporting persons supported by vehicle, must hold or obtain and maintain valid Driver’s License and Van certification (based on position/location/program).

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Health Care Specialists assigned to Nursing Department must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Three (3) years of experience working in a YAI residential program, including at least one (1) year as a Healthcare Specialist in good standing or as a DSP performing primarily medical responsibilities in an AM Medical Counselor or similar role; and

• Ability to regularly travel to several programs within assigned region and work varying schedules/shifts, as needed; and

• Ability to quickly develop productive working relationships, address team challenges and work effectively with various teams, providing guidance and direction to direct support staff.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• HS diploma or its educational equivalent

Compensation $19.83 / hour - $19.83 / hour

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.