Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing Job Description

Harc is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Established in 1951, Harc offers a range of services including employment, enrichment, residential supports, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity.

Position Summary:

The Director of Nursing is responsible for leading Harc’s health services to meet the needs of individuals with I/DD across all programs. This role oversees nursing staff, develops and implements health policies, and ensures compliance with state and federal healthcare standards. The Director of Nursing provides strategic leadership, staff mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring the highest quality of care for participants and professional growth for the nursing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Healthcare Management and Oversight:
  • Lead the delivery of nursing services across all Harc programs to meet the unique needs of individuals with I/DD.
  • Monitor the health status of participants and collaborate with program staff to address health-related concerns.
  • Prepare health summaries and documentation for Individual Plans (IP) and participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings.
  • Develop, implement, and update healthcare policies and procedures to align with best practices, DDS guidelines, and Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations.
  • Actively oversee Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for accurate and efficient health documentation
• Medication Management and Compliance:
  • Oversee all aspects of medication administration and ensure compliance with DDS, DPH, and licensing requirements.
  • Review and audit medical records to ensure accuracy and adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
  • Monitor participants’ capacity for self-administration of medications and provide necessary training and support.
• Training and Education:
  • Develop and deliver training for staff on health-related topics, including medication administration, infection control, and hygiene.
  • Provide ongoing education for nursing staff to maintain certifications and stay updated on healthcare practices.
  • Ensure new staff receive comprehensive orientation and that annual refresher courses are conducted for all required certifications.
• Care Coordination and Community Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison between Harc, families, medical providers, and external healthcare agencies to ensure cohesive care plans.
• Coordinate specialized healthcare services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral health.
• Attend and actively participate in DDS and other regulatory meetings, representing Harc’s health services.
• Leadership and Staff Supervision:
  • Supervise nursing staff, conducting performance reviews, mentoring team members, and promoting professional growth.
  • Establish and manage on-call schedules to ensure continuous nursing support.

• Provide leadership during medical emergencies and manage the resolution of critical health concerns.

• Conduct regular audits to assess the performance of nursing services and implement improvements as needed.
• Incident and Risk Management:
  • Monitor, investigate, and report all health-related incidents and injuries to ensure compliance with standards and timely resolution.
  • Maintain and improve systems for incident documentation and follow-up to enhance participant safety and care quality.

Key Competencies:

• Clinical Expertise:
  • Proficient in nursing care for individuals with I/DD, including medication management, health assessments, and care coordination.
  • Knowledge of best practices in health services for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.
• Leadership and Staff Development:
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead a team of healthcare professionals.
  • Effective at conducting performance evaluations and creating opportunities for staff growth.

• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of DDS, DPH, and Nursing Standards of Practice.
  • Experience ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements in healthcare settings.
• Interpersonal and Communication:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging with families, staff, and external providers.
  • Compassionate approach to advocating for individuals’ rights and promoting their dignity.
• Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Strong decision-making skills to address health-related challenges and implement effective solutions.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of services.
• Compassion and Advocacy:
  • Empathetic approach to working with individuals with disabilities, providing care with respect, dignity, and compassion.
  • Advocacy for the healthcare rights of individuals, ensuring they have access to all necessary medical services.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Current RN license in the State of Connecticut (required).
  • BSN, MSN, or degree in Healthcare Administration preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional nursing experience, including 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Experience working with individuals with I/DD or other vulnerable populations is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with EHR systems and DDS compliance requirements.

• Skills & Abilities:
  • Expertise in clinical care, medication administration, and health training.
  • Proven ability to lead teams and manage healthcare operations in a nonprofit or healthcare setting.
  • Proficiency in using technology for healthcare documentation and communication.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to Harc program sites as needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Work Environment:

• The role requires flexibility to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, residential group homes, and community-based programs. The Director of Nursing must be comfortable traveling between locations and engaging with participants, families, and staff on-site.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time, Plus Paid Holidays
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Harc covers 94% of a single person's health insurance cost)
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 9.5% employer contribution.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance Options
• Professional Development Opportunities, including Tuition Reimbursement
• Staff Recognition and Appreciation Programs
• Paid Training and Education
• Harc employees qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Harc, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.