Nursing Director

Worcester County Developmental Center•Newark, NJ

About The Position

The Nursing Director is responsible for directing, managing, and supervising all medical services provided by WCDC and leading the medical department in accordance with the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight, develops and manages the department budget, establishes nursing practice standards, and develops strategies, policies, and procedures to support high-quality services and regulatory compliance. The Nursing Director oversees medical staff, schedules, resources, recruitment, retention, training, performance processes, and timekeeping. The role ensures compliance with applicable regulations, including COMAR and HCBS Waiver Regulations, and oversees nursing assessments, care plans, medication records, medication supplies, treatments, and other nursing services. The Director also collaborates with individuals, families or guardians, physicians, agency staff, and interdisciplinary teams; addresses concerns; participates in admission and prescreening processes; and performs medical staff duties as needed. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with on-call responsibilities. Schedule flexibility may be required to accommodate client or agency needs. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Detail-oriented, organized, and results-driven.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Ability to multitask and remain flexible when priorities change unexpectedly.
Successfully complete all DDA-required training.
Active Maryland RN license.
At least 5 years of nursing experience.
At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
Ability to stand and walk 90% of work time and sit and/or drive 10%.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 60 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach.
Ability to climb stairs or a ladder and maintain good balance.
Vision sufficient to drive.

Nice To Haves

DDA RN DN/CM experience.
Experience with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Proven experience with team collaboration, employee engagement, and leadership.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction, leadership, support, and oversight to the medical department.
Maintain communication with the immediate supervisor and follow the chain of command; communicate consistently with the supervisor and fellow department directors.
Participate in the leadership team, meetings, trainings, committees, and agency operational planning.
Develop and manage the medical department budget and participate in WCDC’s budgeting process.
Comply with agency policies and procedures, apply policies fairly and consistently, and participate in disciplinary and performance evaluation processes.
Develop and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to improve medical programs, service quality, and regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide high-quality services that respect individuals’ rights and preferences.
Assist with prescreening referrals and the admissions process.
Create and oversee the nursing on-call schedule, distribution of the on-call phone, and accurate completion of related documentation.
Conduct monthly quality assurance audits and additional audits or assessments to identify areas for improvement.
Define and maintain agency nursing practice standards.
Address and resolve client and family concerns promptly and compassionately.
Manage medical staff schedules and resource allocation; participate in staff interviews and hiring.
Ensure staff training requirements, including annual updates, are completed and documented.
Review medical staff timesheets for accuracy and timely submission.
Review and approve monthly billing entries for timely submission and compliance with COMAR and HCBS Waiver Regulations.
Oversee recruitment, retention, and training of medical department personnel in compliance with COMAR 10.22.02.11.
Ensure WCDC nursing services comply with COMAR 10.27.11.
Oversee completion of initial and 45-day nursing assessments, nursing care plans, and monthly Medication Administration Records reviews.
Ensure individuals’ medication needs are met, supplies remain adequate, and medication orders, refills, discontinuations, and related documentation are maintained.
Collaborate with nurses, managers, and directors to identify medical training needs and ensure timely training, documentation, and appropriate tools.
Direct and coordinate medical staff to provide care consistent with standard nursing practices.
Ensure families or guardians, teams, and physicians are promptly notified of significant changes in an individual’s health condition.
Oversee appropriate medications, treatments, and nursing services according to care plans and physician-directed orders.
Delegate to Certified Medication Technicians as required; conduct routine medication administration and medication book checks; apply disciplinary procedures when necessary.
Track CMT licenses, register staff for MTTP classes as needed, and conduct initial and update medication administration reviews.
Review medical department incident reports, assess the individual and situation, and ensure nurses complete reports promptly.
Liaise with pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, and agency staff to support compliance and resolve problems.
Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and other applicable regulations.
Attend individual team meetings as needed to provide medical input.
Perform medical staff duties as needed and undertake other duties as assigned.