Health Care Specialist - Manhattan

YAI•New York, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Health Care Specialists provide direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), promoting community integration and inclusion; assisting with activities of daily living, including intimate and personal care; teaching daily and independent living skills; and providing individual and group counseling. They perform Direct Support Professional duties while serving as primary support to the nursing team for medical-related needs. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, Health Care Specialists oversee medical systems and train direct care staff in residential group homes. They participate in team and program-specific meetings, provide medically related in-service to residential staff, communicate relevant medical and treatment information as directed by the nurse, and oversee the medication inventory system. The role is based at the 187th Street IRA in New York and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experienced Health Care Specialists may be assigned to the Nursing Department and provide coverage across multiple programs in an assigned region. These assignments may vary in length, frequency, and schedule according to caseload needs. Nursing Department assignees integrate with program teams, train new staff on medical systems, and help communicate and track clinical information and follow-ups across programs.

Requirements

At least two years of direct support professional experience in a YAI program, including at least one year on the morning shift performing medical responsibilities.
Current YAI-issued Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) certification held for at least one year in good standing, maintained for the duration of the assignment.
Current Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention – Revised (SCIP-R) and CPR certifications issued by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, maintained as required.
Hold or obtain and maintain additional certifications required by the program and people supported, such as Choking – Return Demonstration, Diabetes Care, or Tube Feeding, within three months of appointment.
Strong understanding of electronic medical records, including DA/eMAR, and ability to navigate systems and upload, track, and clearly document encounters, anecdotal records, and related data.
Working knowledge of medical conditions, including interactions between I/DD and other conditions, and ability to gather, document, and accurately communicate medical information to staff, nursing, and external providers.
Alternatively, a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, and training approved by the Director of Nursing; all candidates using this alternative must have at least two years of direct care, Certified Nursing Assistant, or closely related experience performing medical responsibilities, including electronic health record use and medication administration under a licensed medical professional's supervision for at least one year, and must obtain and maintain the specified YAI certifications within six months of appointment.
Proficiency with computers and electronic systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook and Word, Workday, DA, and other EHR-related systems.
Interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to take initiative and ability to guide and train others.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, and handling or feeling objects, tools, or controls.
Ability to assist with lifting or moving individuals of any weight using mechanical lifts or other equipment and/or push individuals in wheelchairs; ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds on occasion; and physical capacity to implement emergency interventions under a person's Behavior Support Plan, with or without equipment or assistance from other staff.
Ability to work full time, work beyond scheduled hours or shifts, and report as scheduled on holidays, in inclement weather, or during other emergencies to maintain minimum program coverage, unless otherwise authorized.
For assignments involving transportation of people supported by vehicle, hold or obtain and maintain a valid driver's license and van certification as required by the position, location, or program.
For Nursing Department assignments: three years of experience in a YAI residential program, including at least one year as a Health Care Specialist in good standing or as a DSP primarily performing medical responsibilities in an AM Medical Counselor or similar role.
For Nursing Department assignments: ability to travel regularly to several programs in the assigned region and work varying schedules or shifts as needed.
For Nursing Department assignments: ability to develop productive working relationships quickly, address team challenges, and work effectively with multiple teams while guiding and directing direct support staff.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or its educational equivalent.

Responsibilities

Perform Direct Support Professional duties in addition to Health Care Specialist responsibilities to support the supervision, protection, care, strengths, interests, abilities, rights, and community connections of people in the program.
Guide program staff and help ensure standards of care are followed.
Oversee maintenance of medical systems, including Digital Agency (DA), and ensure paperwork is complete, filed, current, and accurately reflected in the systems.
Stay informed about medical issues, diagnoses, needs, and recommendations in Plans of Nursing Service under nurse supervision.
Know and help ensure the required levels of supervision for individuals while sleeping, eating, during fall precautions, and when performing activities of daily living.
Ensure staff understand the medical needs of people supported and communicate new diagnoses and treatments to the Interdisciplinary Team as directed by the nurse.
Train new staff on medical needs and medical systems in DA as directed by the nurse.
Act as a liaison between the residence and medical providers, services, and families as needed.
Promote integration of health services by ensuring diets and appropriate reinforcers are followed, medical issues are monitored, and providers’ recommendations are followed up.
Review anecdotal records promptly and raise questions with the team to support complete and accurate medical documentation.
Communicate medical information professionally through staff logbooks, email, and internal communications.
Ensure medical appointments and follow-up appointments are scheduled and attended in a timely manner.
Oversee medication inventory, medication cabinet checks, and over-the-counter inventory, completing required checks within applicable timeframes.
Mentor new direct support staff enrolled in the AMAP course and assist the nurse during the course as needed.
Conduct morning medical meetings, participate in team meetings, provide updates on appointments, follow-ups, and medical conditions, and document relevant information.
Perform other assigned duties.
For Nursing Department assignments, provide Health Care Specialist coverage across multiple programs and adapt to each program's needs and schedules.
For Nursing Department assignments, obtain and communicate clinical information to interdisciplinary teams and families as directed by the nurse, and track and complete follow-ups across programs.

Benefits

DailyPay available.
Tuition reimbursement.
Medical insurance, with family and more extensive plan options for eligible full-time positions.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance for full-time positions.
Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time, depending on time type.
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
Life insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more.